Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Search expands after Philippine ferry fire kills five, dozens missing
A ferry traveling in the Philippines caught fire near Palawan.
Five people died in the accident.
Rescue teams saved 43 people, including two Chilean passengers.
More than 80 others were still missing according to the vessel’s records and reported rescue figures.
The ferry was still smoking, so rescuers could not safely enter it.
The ship also drifted because of wind and water currents.
Coast Guard teams used boats, drones and computer models to search for people.
Officials have not yet determined what caused the fire.
A passenger ferry caught fire off western Palawan on Wednesday night, killing five people.
The vessel’s manifest listed 117 passengers and 17 crew members.
Authorities said 43 people had been rescued, including two Chilean nationals.
More than 80 people remained unaccounted for, though the figures could change.
Rescuers faced thick smoke, extreme heat, explosion risks and strong currents while searching.
- Who
- Passengers and crew aboard a Philippine ferry, with rescue efforts led by the Philippine Coast Guard.
- What
- A passenger ferry caught fire, killing five people and leaving more than 80 unaccounted for while 43 were rescued.
- When
- The fire broke out on Wednesday night; a large-scale search was underway on Thursday, September 10.
- Where
- Off the western Philippine island of Palawan; the ferry had been traveling from Baseco in Manila toward Coron.
- Why
- The cause of the fire remains under investigation, while rescuers searched for missing passengers carried away by currents and winds.
- Reported deaths
- 5
- People rescued
- 43
- Manifest
- 117 passengers and 17 crew members
- People unaccounted for
- More than 80, according to authorities; the figures could change
- Route
- Baseco in Manila to Coron, Palawan
- Rescue challenges
- Thick smoke, extreme heat, possible explosions, wind and currents
- Cause
- Under investigation