Passenger ferry caught fire off Coron, Palawan

MANILA, Philippines — A passenger ferry caught fire off Coron, Palawan on Wednesday evening, with more than 100 passengers and crew on board, the Philippine Coast Guard reported.

The Coast Guard District (CGD) – Palawan said it received a report at 6:45 p.m. that MV June Aster, located 1.2 nautical miles (2.2 km) northeast of Barangay Marcilla in Coron, was engulfed in flames.

At least 117 passengers and 17 crew members were reportedly aboard the vessel.

As of 11 p.m., at least 42 individuals were rescued and were temporarily brought to Brgy. Turda basketball court amid ongoing rescue operations.

Meanwhile, five were confirmed dead, according to the PCG.

READ: Floating inferno: Dozens dead, missing in ferry fire

According to the CGD – Palawan, its Maritime Environmental Protection unit also prepared oil spill response equipment to conduct precautionary measures for the possible spill of hazardous materials off its waters.

“CGDPAL, through its responding units, continues to manage the situation and coordinate necessary response efforts to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew and to mitigate potential maritime and environmental hazards,” it said.

The cause of the fire is yet to be disclosed by the authorities as of the time of posting. /cb