Philippines ferry blaze kills five as dozens remain missing
Rescuers are searching waters off Palawan after the MV June Aster caught fire, killing at least five people and leaving dozens unaccounted for. Investigators are examining the blaze, the crew’s response and the ferry’s manifest.
At least 5 dead, dozens unaccounted for after Philippines ferry fire
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At least 18 killed, two dozen missing after ferry sinks in Philippines
Five dead, 87 missing after passenger ferry catches fire in Philippines
Philippines deploys vessels as rescuers seek access to burned ferry
A night crossing turns into a mass rescue
At least five people were killed and 43 rescued after the MV June Aster caught fire near Coron in the western Philippine province of Palawan, with 86 people still unaccounted for in the latest Coast Guard tally on Thursday.upi +1 The passenger-and-cargo ferry had 117 passengers and 17 crew listed on its manifest, though officials cautioned that the figures were still being validated as the search continued.dw +1
The blaze was reported at about 6:45 p.m. Wednesday while the vessel was roughly 1.2 nautical miles northeast of Barangay Turda. It had left Manila’s Baseco Port on Tuesday night for Coron, a tourist destination known for diving and island-hopping.upi +1
Smoke, currents and rough seas complicate the search
Coast Guard, military and civilian vessels joined fishermen and resort operators in looking for survivors. Teams used drift modelling to estimate where people may have been carried, while a military aircraft was placed on standby.theguardian +1 Two Chilean nationals were among those rescued.theguardian
The burned ferry drifted from its original position before grounding on an island, widening the search area. Thick smoke, extreme heat and the threat of explosions initially prevented rescuers from entering the hull, while bad weather and large waves further slowed operations.theguardian +1 Authorities also alerted nearby ships and coastal villages to watch for passengers in the water.upi
The number listed as missing has shifted between 86 and 87 as rescue reports and the manifest are reconciled.dw +1 That uncertainty leaves the toll provisional and puts the immediate focus on finding survivors before currents carry them farther from the accident site.
Investigators turn to the cargo hold and crew response
The cause remains undetermined. One survivor said the fire began in the cargo hold and spread within seconds, but investigators have not confirmed that account.gmanetwork The Coast Guard said it would examine the crew’s actions, whether emergency procedures were followed and how the captain responded; possible liability will be assessed after a comprehensive investigation.upi +1
The 2002-built ferry had passed a safety enforcement inspection in March and was certified to carry 333 people, according to Coast Guard documents. Officials have nevertheless not ruled out overloading while they verify the manifest, and some rescued passengers were not wearing life jackets.gmanetwork Operator Atienza Interisland Ferries said it was cooperating with investigators and had mobilised its resources, while promising assistance to affected families.abc