Five people were confirmed dead in early counting and more than 80 were missing after a ferry caught fire off Palawan island in the western Philippines on Wednesday night, the Philippine coast guard said. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.

Forty-three people were rescued from the MV June Aster in waters off Coron, Palawan, the coast guard said. Footage showed flames engulfing parts of the vessel and responders placing victims in body bags.

Coast guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab told DZXL radio the vessel’s manifest listed 117 passengers and 17 crew members.

Based on the reported number of survivors and fatalities, more than 80 people were unaccounted for, and Cayabyab said the figures might change as the rescue operation continued.

The ferry had departed from Baseco in Manila and was bound for Coron, she said.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

Key facts

  • 01**Confirmed dead:** five people in early counting.
  • 02**Rescued:** 43 people.
  • 03**Missing:** more than 80 people.
  • 04**Manifest:** 117 passengers and 17 crew members.
  • 05**Location:** waters off Coron, Palawan, Philippines.
  • 06**Route:** departed from Baseco in Manila, bound for Coron.
  • 07**Cause:** under investigation.

What happened

According to the Philippine coast guard, the fire broke out on Wednesday night off Palawan island. The vessel had departed from Baseco in Manila and was bound for Coron. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

The rescue operation continued. Coast guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the figures might change as the rescue operation continued.

Footage showed flames engulfing parts of the vessel and responders placing victims in body bags. A survivor was also shown being assisted as he got off a small boat after being rescued from the burning ferry.

International attention

The incident has renewed attention on maritime safety in the Philippines. However, no official conclusions about the cause or those responsible have been released.

Qazaqyia.kz will keep readers updated as new information about the rescue operation becomes available.