A local ferry in Palawan, Phillipines. Photo: pploylp / Shutterstock.com Five people have died after a fire broke out aboard the MV June Aster ferry in waters off Coron, Palawan, in the Philippines, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The incident occurred on September 9, approximately 1.2 nautical miles northeast of Barangay Marcilla in Coron. The PCG launched search-and-rescue operations after receiving reports of the fire.
As of 11:10 p.m. on September 9, 42 people had been rescued, while five casualties were reported and taken to the Barangay Turda Covered Court in Coron. The casualties were due to be turned over to the Coron Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for proper disposition.
The Coast Guard District Palawan and other responding units continued systematic search operations in the surrounding waters as authorities worked to determine whether anyone remained missing.
Personnel from the Maritime Environmental Protection Unit Northeastern Palawan and the Coast Guard Special Operations Group were deployed to the scene to assist with rescue efforts.
In an update on September 10, PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said survivors had been turned over to the local government and Coron MDRRMO for identification and immediate assistance.
The PCG also said its assessment found no oil spill associated with the incident.
Search and rescue operations were continuing in the waters around Coron, with further updates expected from the Coast Guard.