**Title: Tragedy Strikes as Fire on Ferry Near Palawan Leaves Five Dead and 86 Missing**
**Published: October 9, 2026**
A devastating fire aboard the M/V June Aster, a passenger ferry traveling near the popular tourist destination of Coron in the Philippine province of Palawan, has resulted in at least five confirmed fatalities and 86 individuals reported missing. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, approximately 2.2 kilometers offshore, as the vessel was en route from Manila to Coron.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the fire broke out while the ferry was nearing its destination. As of Thursday, 43 individuals have been rescued from the scene, with coast guard spokeswoman Commodore Noemie Cayabyab confirming the recovery of five bodies. The ongoing search and rescue operations are being conducted by a combination of coast guard ships, high-speed response boats, military vessels, and assistance from private volunteers and local fishermen.
The blaze reportedly burned overnight, and by midday Thursday, smoke was still visible rising from the charred remains of the ferry. Efforts to rescue passengers were complicated by adverse weather conditions, including high waves, which posed significant challenges to the rescuers.
Cayabyab provided an update on the situation, stating, "Based on the data we have right now on rescued (42) and the casualties, we still have 86 people who are unaccounted for." The ferry was carrying a total of 134 people at the time of the incident, comprising 117 passengers and 17 crew members. There has been no confirmation regarding the presence of any foreign nationals on board.
The incident has sparked a wave of concern among families and friends of those on board, with many seeking information through social media, particularly on the Facebook page of the mayor of Coron. Hundreds have left messages expressing their desperation for news about their loved ones, including inquiries about missing relatives and even pets.
This tragedy is not an isolated event in the region. The Philippines has a history of maritime disasters, with a notable incident occurring earlier this year when a ferry fire led to the deaths of 31 people. Additionally, in January, a triple-decker ferry sank while carrying over 340 passengers, resulting in at least 52 fatalities.
As the search and rescue operations continue, the Philippine Coast Guard remains committed to locating those still missing and providing support to the victims' families. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the maritime industry in the Philippines, particularly regarding safety regulations and emergency preparedness in the face of adverse weather conditions.
The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.