In brief
The MV June Aster caught fire while en route to Coron, killing five passengers and leaving 86 missing. Coast guard crews struggle in strong currents to extinguish the flames and locate survivors. Families await answers as authorities investigate the cause of the tragedy. With 86 missing, the incident ranks among the worst maritime accidents in recent Philippine history.
At 18:00 local time on Wednesday, the MV June Aster, carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew, caught fire as it approached the tourist hotspot of Coron in Palawan. A blaze that was still raging at 11:00 on Thursday exposed the challenges faced by the Philippine Coast Guard, who struggled against strong currents and poor weather to contain the flames and search for survivors.
Rescue teams reported that the vessel drifted from its initial distress location—four nautical miles off Barangay Turda—to almost eight nautical miles away, complicating salvage operations. Survivors were taken to an evacuation centre in Barangay Turda, but the extent of injuries remains uncertain, and authorities have yet to interview the 43 people rescued so far.
The incident has left families frantic for news. Anelyn Magbanua, who had been awaiting her husband’s return, described her distress, while community members such as Rai Garcia posted urgent pleas for information on missing relatives. Social media posts, including a photo of a missing passenger, illustrate the growing demand for updates.
Ferry accidents continue to pose a serious risk across the archipelago of 7,100 islands. Monsoon weather, limited maintenance and uneven enforcement of safety regulations have historically contributed to maritime disasters. With 86 people still missing, this tragedy ranks among the worst Philippine ferry incidents in recent years.
