Philippines Ferry Fire: 5 Dead, 87 Missing Off Coron

Phoenix News — At least five people have died and 87 remain unaccounted for after a passenger ferry caught fire off Coron, Palawan, as rescuers searched for survivors Thursday in one of the Philippines' most popular tourist destinations.

The M/V June Aster was carrying 134 people — 117 passengers and 17 crew members — when the fire broke out at approximately 6:45 p.m. Wednesday in waters about 1.2 nautical miles northeast of Barangay Marcilla in Coron municipality, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

The vessel had departed Manila and was traveling toward Coron when the fire occurred. Coast Guard spokesperson Capt. Noemi Cayabyab confirmed to local media that 42 people had been rescued — 38 passengers and four crew members — while five casualties had been brought ashore. The figures remain provisional as the search continues.