**Five Dead, Over 80 Missing After Ferry Fire in the Philippines**
A tragic incident unfolded off the coast of Palawan island in the western Philippines on Wednesday night, as a ferry caught fire, resulting in the deaths of five individuals and leaving more than 80 others unaccounted for. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported the incident on Thursday, detailing the ongoing rescue efforts and the challenges faced in the aftermath of the disaster.
The ferry, identified as the MV June Aster, was en route from Baseco in Manila to Coron when the fire broke out. According to the Coast Guard, the vessel had a total of 134 people on board, comprising 117 passengers and 17 crew members. As the flames engulfed parts of the ship, emergency responders managed to rescue 43 individuals from the water on the same night the fire occurred.
Footage released by the Coast Guard depicted the severity of the situation, with flames visibly consuming sections of the ferry. The harrowing scenes included responders retrieving bodies and placing them in body bags, underscoring the tragic loss of life associated with the incident.
Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard, shared updates on the situation during an interview with DZXL radio. She indicated that the figures regarding survivors and fatalities could fluctuate as rescue operations continued. Currently, the number of missing persons stands at over 80, raising concerns about their safety and the potential for further casualties.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities working diligently to determine how the incident occurred. The PCG has emphasized the importance of thorough inquiries to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As rescue operations persist, the community and authorities are coming together to support the affected families and those still missing. The incident has prompted discussions about maritime safety regulations in the Philippines, particularly concerning passenger ferries, which are a common mode of transportation in the archipelago.
The Philippine Coast Guard continues to coordinate search efforts, and additional updates are expected as more information becomes available. The nation mourns the loss of life and hopes for the safe return of those still missing.