Search resumes for 80 missing after ferry fire off Philippine tourist island

The MV June Aster departed Manila just after 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday and was due to arrive in Coron around 6 p.m. the following day when a distress call was received at 6:45 p.m. near the Palawan province town. Coast guard Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said rescuers were launched within five minutes, but thick smoke has prevented them from boarding the 53-metre ferry to investigate the cause.

Survivor Richard Marceliano told GMA News he saw a small amount of smoke that turned into a raging fire spreading through the ferry within seconds. He and other passengers spent nearly two hours floating in the sea before being rescued. Commodore Cayabyab said most survivors escaped without life jackets, having no time to put them on.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said in a statement that accounts from survivors indicated two successive explosions were heard from inside the ship, triggering the fire. One survivor believed the blaze may have started in the cargo hold. The burnt-out ferry has run aground near the coast of Coron, a popular destination for diving and island-hopping.

Authorities are still trying to confirm reports that foreigners were on board. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was in contact with Philippine authorities to determine if any Australians were among the passengers or missing. The vessel was also carrying goods, an electric vehicle, a pickup truck and motorcycles.

The coast guard has deployed five vessels and divers, while army rescue boats, fishermen and private resort owners continue to assist in the search that began Wednesday night. The number of missing stands at 84 after two people on the passenger list did not board the vessel.

Why This Matters

Tourist safety: Coron is a major tourism destination; the incident raises concerns about ferry safety standards in the Philippines, where maritime accidents are common.
Potential Australian involvement: DFAT is checking for Australians on board, making this directly relevant to Australian readers.
Search urgency: With 84 people still unaccounted for and smoke hindering access to the ship, the window for finding survivors is narrowing.

Background

Ferry accidents are a recurring problem in the Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands where boats are a primary mode of transport. Poor enforcement of safety regulations, overcrowding and aging vessels have contributed to deadly incidents including collisions, fires and capsizings. The MV June Aster was on a regular overnight route from Manila to Coron.

Key Perspectives

Survivors: Quick action saved lives, but many witnessed the fire spread in seconds and had to swim in open water for hours. Psychological trauma is likely.
Philippine Coast Guard: Focused on search and rescue, but smoke is delaying investigation and boarding of the vessel. Commodore Cayabyab stated the objective is to enter the ship to assess the situation.
Families of the missing: Anxiety is high as the number of unaccounted for remains large. Authorities are working to reconcile passenger lists with survivors.
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA): Investigating survivor accounts of two explosions and potential origin in the cargo hold; cause remains unknown.

What to Watch

Official cause of the fire: Whether it originated in the cargo hold or from the electric vehicle or other cargo.
Identification of victims: Confirmation of any foreign nationals, including Australians.
Outcome of the search: How many of the 84 missing are found alive, and when the ship can be fully searched.
Regulatory response: Potential suspension of the ferry operator's licence or broader safety reviews by MARINA.

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