Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Philippines Ferry Fire Kills Five, Leaves 84 Missing
A ferry traveling in the Philippines caught fire near Palawan.
It was carrying passengers, crew members, vehicles, and cargo.
Five people died in the accident.
Rescuers saved 43 people, but 84 others were still missing.
Firefighters could not enter the burned ship at first because it was too hot and smoky.
They were able to board it more than a day later.
Rescuers, divers, fishermen, and other boats continued looking for missing people.
No one knows for sure what started the fire.
Survivors said they heard two explosions before the flames spread.
The MV June Aster caught fire Wednesday night while traveling from Manila to Palawan, killing five people.
Authorities said 43 people were rescued, while 84 remained missing after two names were removed from the manifest.
Firefighters boarded the badly burned ferry on Friday after smoke and extreme heat had delayed access.
A manifest listed 117 passengers and 17 crew members; the ferry was also carrying vehicles and cargo.
The cause remains unclear, although survivor accounts cited by the Maritime Industry Authority described two explosions before the fire.
- Who
- Passengers and crew aboard the MV June Aster; five people died, 43 were rescued, and 84 were reported missing.
- What
- A ferry fire severely damaged the MV June Aster and prompted an ongoing search-and-rescue operation.
- When
- The fire began Wednesday night, and firefighters boarded the vessel on Friday, September 11, 2026.
- Where
- Off the coast of Palawan, near the ferry’s route to Coron, Philippines.
- Why
- The cause of the fire remains unclear; survivor accounts cited by the Maritime Industry Authority mentioned two explosions.
Relatives’ Concerns
Company’s Position
Communication with families
Relatives’ Concerns
Relatives said they struggled to reach Atienza Inter-Island Ferries and wanted faster updates about missing family members.
Company’s Position
Atienza Inter-Island Ferries said it was fully cooperating with government authorities investigating the incident.
Cause and accountability
Relatives’ Concerns
The loss of life and continuing uncertainty have led families to demand action and information while the search continues.
Company’s Position
Authorities have not established the cause; the Maritime Industry Authority cited survivor accounts of two explosions, while the ferry company said it was cooperating with the investigation.
- Deaths
- 5
- Missing
- 84
- Rescued
- 43
- Manifest
- 117 passengers and 17 crew members
- Ferry capacity
- 330 people
- Vessel route
- Manila to Palawan, nearing Coron
- Search response
- The Philippine Coast Guard deployed five vessels and divers; other responders also assisted