Ferry Fire Horror: 87 Missing, 5 Dead in Philippines
What Happened
A passenger ferry, the MV June Aster, caught fire off Palawan in the western Philippines on the evening of September 9. Authorities said five people died, 42-43 people were rescued, and 87 people remain unaccounted for as search-and-rescue operations continue. The vessel was carrying 134 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members, on a voyage from Manila to Coron.
Key Takeaways
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Rescue efforts are being hampered by rough seas and strong currents, and officials caution that casualty and missing-person figures may change as operations continue.