At least five people died and dozens remain missing after a fire erupted aboard the MV June Aster ferry in waters off Coron, Palawan, in the western Philippines. The blaze broke out on Wednesday evening, leaving between 84 and 87 people unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continue.
The vessel had departed from Manila and was sailing toward Coron, a popular tourist destination, when the fire broke out approximately 2.2 kilometers offshore. Coast Guard footage showed the ship completely engulfed in flames.
Coast Guard spokeswoman Commodore Noemie Cayabyab stated that 43 people have been rescued. Firefighters have since entered the charred ferry to comb through the smoking remains for survivors, while other rescuers were seen bringing victims ashore in body bags.
The ship's manifest listed a total of 134 passengers and crew. Officials warned that casualty figures could change as teams continue their intense and widespread search for those remaining missing.