Philippines Ferry Fire: 80+ Missing as Search Operations Intensify

The search for more than 80 people missing in the Philippines has resumed, but thick smoke has hampered rescue workers boarding the vessel.

MV June Aster Fire Details and Route Timeline

The passenger ferry had departed from the capital city of Manila just after 8:00 pm local time on Wednesday. It was scheduled to arrive at its destination of Coron around 6:00 pm local time the following day. According to Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, a coast guard spokeswoman, operators issued a distress call around 6:45 pm local time near Coron in the Palawan province. The coast guard launched a response within five minutes of the call.

Survivors reported that the situation escalated with terrifying speed. Passenger Richard Marceliano told GMA News that he noticed a small amount of smoke before it quickly turned into a raging fire that engulfed the ferry within seconds. Marceliano and other survivors spent nearly two hours floating in the open sea before rescuers pulled them to safety. Commodore Cayabyab noted that survivors barely had time to react: From the time that they heard the loud explosion, the appearance of smoke, and then fire, it spread very quickly, she said in a radio interview, adding that those who escaped didn’t even have time to put on life jackets. Most of the people we rescued were those who had been swimming away from the vessel.

Current Search, Rescue Efforts, and Missing Person Statistics

Rescue operations involve multiple agencies and local entities. The coast guard deployed five vessels and divers to the area, while army rescue boats, local fishermen, and private resort owners joined the search efforts that started on Wednesday night. At least 43 people have been rescued so far.

Initially, officials believed more than 130 individuals were on the vessel. However, Commodore Cayabyab adjusted the official number of missing people to 84 after authorities verified that two individuals listed on the passenger manifest ultimately did not board the ferry. In addition to passengers and crew, the MV June Aster was carrying cargo, an electric vehicle, a pick-up truck, and several motorcycles.

Rescuers faced immediate physical hurdles when trying to access the wreckage. The burnt-out ferry ran aground near Coron, a town renowned for its island-hopping attractions and diving sites. Thick smoke billowing from the smouldering hull prevented rescue personnel from boarding the vessel immediately. Our objective now is to enter the ship, to check the situation so we can assess the situation, Commodore Cayabyab stated on Thursday night.

Investigation Into Causes and Vessel Compliance History

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. A statement from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) cited survivor accounts indicating that two successive explosions occurred inside the ship, igniting the fire. Commodore Cayabyab noted that one survivor suspected the fire may have originated in the cargo hold.

Authorities are also working to verify whether any foreign nationals were among the passengers. A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is in contact with Philippine authorities to establish if any Australians were on board the vessel.

According to vessel records cited by the coast guard, the MV June Aster was built in 2002 and held certification to carry a maximum of 306 passengers alongside 33 crew members. Commodore Cayabyab stated that the ferry underwent a routine compliance inspection in March, which included verifying the availability of the correct number of life jackets on board.

Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., the company that owns the ferry, released a statement confirming it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. We are working around the clock and have mobilised all available resources to manage this crisis, the company said. Our hearts remain with the affected families, and we will not rest until all individuals are accounted for.