5 Dead, 87 Missing After Ferry Fire in Western Philippi

5 Dead, 87 Missing After Ferry Fire in Western Philippines

By Guest - September 10, 2026

Western Philippines

Manila, September 10, 2026: At least five people have died and 87 others remain missing after a fire broke out aboard a ferry near a tourist area in Palawan province in the western Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

PCG Commodore Noemie Guirao-Cayabyab told local media that 42 people had been rescued, while the bodies of five victims were recovered. She said 87 people remain unaccounted for following the incident.

The ferry was carrying 134 people, including crew members, when the fire broke out. Rescue and firefighting operations remain underway as authorities continue efforts to extinguish the blaze and locate those still missing.

According to data from MarineTraffic, the vessel, identified as MV June Aster, had departed from Manila and caught fire approximately 2.2 kilometers from the coast.