Overview
- The M/V June Aster caught fire about 2.2 kilometres off Palawan Wednesday night with 134 people listed on its manifest.
- Rescuers have pulled at least 42 survivors from the water and recovered five bodies, and about 86 to 87 people remain unaccounted for.
- Authorities have not yet determined the cause and report that a survivor heard a loud explosion in the ferry’s cargo hold before smoke and flames spread, and the operator says it is cooperating with the probe.
- Coast Guard crews, the Philippine military, local fishermen and private resort teams are conducting search, rescue and firefighting operations with boats deployed and an aircraft on standby.
- The accident deepens public concern over ferry safety in the Philippines after recent deadly nautical disasters and is likely to prompt inspections and regulatory review as families in Coron seek news of missing relatives.