Five dead, 86 missing after fire guts passenger ferry in Philippines

Five people have died and 86 others remain missing after a fire broke out aboard a passenger ferry sailing from Manila to Coron in the Philippines.

The blaze erupted aboard the MV June Aster at about 6:45pm on Wednesday, September 9, shortly after a survivor reported hearing a loud blast from the cargo area.

The ferry was carrying 134 passengers and crew, as well as several vehicles, when the fire broke out.

According to the BBC, emergency teams had rescued 43 survivors by Thursday, while search and rescue operations continued for those still unaccounted for.

Military personnel, local fishermen and rescue workers have joined the operation, with improved weather conditions helping crews search the waters around the stricken vessel.

However, thick smoke billowing from the charred ferry has prevented rescue teams from entering the vessel to assess the extent of the damage.

Injured survivors have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment as authorities continue efforts to establish the whereabouts of those missing.

Atienza Interisland Ferries, the ship’s owner, said it was deeply saddened by the loss of life and was cooperating with authorities investigating the incident.

“We are working around the clock and have mobilised all available resources to manage this crisis,” a company spokesperson said, according to the BBC.

Ferry accidents have been a recurring concern in the Philippines, an archipelago where maritime transport is widely used to connect its many islands.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, including the reported blast in the cargo area.