Five people have died and 84 remain missing after a fire aboard the passenger Ro-Ro ferry MV June Aster off Coron, Palawan, in the Philippines. Search and rescue operations continued on 11 September 2026.
The latest missing-person count was revised from 86 to 84 after authorities confirmed that two people listed on the manifest had not boarded the vessel. The manifest contained 134 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Forty-three people have been rescued.
The fire broke out at around 6:45 p.m. on 9 September 2026 as MV June Aster was approaching Coron. The Philippine Coast Guard deployed vessels and divers, with military rescue boats, local fishermen and other private resources also involved in the operation.
Rescuers have faced difficulties reaching the damaged ferry because of thick smoke and heat. The vessel also drifted farther offshore after the fire as a result of strong currents and wind.
Survivors reported hearing an explosion before smoke and flames spread through the vessel. The cause of the fire has not been established, and authorities are investigating the incident.
The Philippine News Agency reported that MV June Aster is owned and operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. The vessel passed a Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection on 10 March 2026 and was found compliant with safety requirements. Its certified capacity was 333 passengers and crew, with sufficient life jackets reported for that capacity.
Most of the 43 survivors had been taken to Coron District Hospital as of 10 September 2026, with some later discharged. Following the incident, the Philippine Coast Guard ordered intensified pre-departure inspections of vessels nationwide.
