Ferry fire off Coron kills five and leaves dozens missing

Ferry blaze off Coron leaves five dead and dozens unaccounted for

Five people have died and 86 are missing after a fire broke out on the MV June Aster about 1.2 nautical miles off Marcilla village, Coron, the Philippine Coast Guard said. The ferry departed Manila’s Port of Baseco on Tuesday at 20:13 local time and the blaze was first reported at 18:45 the following night, company staff and authorities stated.

Survivors said the fire began in the cargo hold after a loud explosion. The Coast Guard reported the ship had been carrying motorcycles, an electric car, a forklift, a pick-up van and other goods. More than 100 passengers were aboard and some had been sleeping on bunk beds because the journey was expected to take over 20 hours.

Roland Lerma, one of the rescued passengers, told the BBC he slipped and was trodden on as he scrambled off the burning vessel. He said he removed his possessions and floated in the sea for about two hours before rescuers pulled him from the water. Two Chilean nationals were among the 43 people rescued, authorities confirmed.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The available accounts indicate the fire erupted near Coron’s coast after departure from Manila, with an explosion reportedly originating in the cargo hold. Official statements from the Philippine Coast Guard and Atienza Shipping Lines provide the departure time, the fire report time and details on cargo and passenger numbers. Rescue operations are ongoing while the fire on the MV June Aster remained active with visible smoke, according to authorities.

Families of missing passengers gathered at hospitals and port facilities awaiting information, and survivors have been treated in Coron and transferred as needed to nearby medical facilities.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Fire on MV June Aster occurred 1.2 nautical miles off Marcilla village, Coron.
• Vessel departed Manila’s Port of Baseco at 20:13 local time; fire was reported at 18:45 the next night.
• Five confirmed dead, 86 missing and 43 rescued, including two Chilean nationals.