The MV June Aster, carrying 134 people, caught fire on its way to Coron, a popular Philippine tourist destination. The coastguard has confirmed five fatalities, with 87 people still unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continue.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Coast guard Captain Noemi Cayabyab told a local radio broadcaster: "Based on the data we have right now on rescued (42) and the casualties, we still have 87 people who are unaccounted for. Just to make it clear, this is live data and may change as our search and rescue operations are ongoing."
According to Cayabyab, 38 passengers and four crew members have been rescued so far. The vessel was transporting 117 passengers and 17 crew members when the fire was reported at approximately 6.45pm.
Vessel Drifted From Distress Position
The fire broke out 1.2 nautical miles from Barangay Marcilla while the ferry was travelling from Manila. Coastguard teams are working to extinguish the flames and search the surrounding waters, but adverse weather has hampered their efforts.
A spokesperson said: "The weather [last night] was poor, and the waves in the area were strong. Reports from our vessel indicate strong currents in the area." The craft had drifted from its original distress position, four nautical miles off Barangay Turda, to a location 7.68 nautical miles away. "It has been carried further out by the current. These are the challenges our personnel are facing in the search area," the spokesperson added.
