Jakarta, ThedailyID — A ferry carrying 134 people caught fire off Coron, Palawan, Philippines, on Wednesday night, September 9, 2026. Five people died, while more than 80 others remained missing.
The vessel, MV June Aster, was sailing from Baseco in Manila to Coron when the fire broke out. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, 117 passengers and 17 crew members were listed on the ship’s manifest.
Coast Guard spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab said 43 people had been rescued. However, the number of missing passengers could still change as the rescue operation continued.
“More than 80 people are still missing,” Cayabyab said, according to Reuters, Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard showed flames engulfing parts of the ferry. Rescue personnel were also seen placing the bodies of victims into body bags.
The Coast Guard continued search and rescue operations after the incident. Meanwhile, authorities have yet to determine what caused the fire.
The ferry was traveling toward Coron, a popular tourist destination in Palawan, when the incident occurred. Authorities are still working to establish the full number of casualties and missing passengers.
The investigation into the cause of the fire remains ongoing.
