A passenger ferry caught fire in the waters off Coron, Palawan in the western Philippines on Wednesday evening, leaving at least five people dead and 87 others unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continued into Thursday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.
The vessel, identified as the MV June Aster, was carrying 134 people—117 passengers and 17 crew members—when the fire broke out at approximately 6:45 p.m. local time on September 9, 2026, while the ferry was approaching its destination. The ship had departed from the Port of Manila and was traveling south toward Coron, a popular tourist destination in Palawan province.
As of the latest Philippine Coast Guard update, 42 people have been rescued, including 38 passengers and four crew members. Five bodies have been recovered and brought ashore. Coast Guard officials have emphasized that these figures are preliminary and may change as search operations continue.
What Happened to the MV June Aster?
According to information from the Philippine Coast Guard and multiple news reports, the following sequence of events has been confirmed:
Departure: The MV June Aster departed from Manila’s Port of Baseco on Tuesday night at approximately 8:13 p.m. local time, bound for Coron, Palawan. The journey was expected to take more than 20 hours.
Fire Ignites: At approximately 6:45 p.m. local time on Wednesday, September 9, the fire was first reported by a staff member of Atienza Shipping Lines, which owns the vessel. The ferry was approximately 1.2 nautical miles (2.2 kilometers) northeast of Barangay Marcilla in Coron when the fire broke out.
Distress Signal: The ferry sent a distress signal, and the Philippine Coast Guard dispatched emergency response teams to the scene.
Rescue Response: Coast Guard personnel, along with government rescue vessels, military assets, volunteer fishermen, and other private boats, rushed to the scene to rescue survivors and search for missing passengers.
Vessel Status: According to the Associated Press, the ferry remained afloat but was listing after the fire was brought under control. Smoke continued to rise from the charred vessel as of midday Thursday.
How Many People Were on the Ferry?
According to the ship’s manifest provided to the Philippine Coast Guard, the following figures have been confirmed:
| Status | Latest Reported Figure |
|---|---|
| Total onboard | 134 |
| Passengers | 117 |
| Crew | 17 |
| Rescued | 42 |
| Reported dead | 5 |
| Unaccounted for | 87 |
These are preliminary figures and may change as the search-and-rescue operation continues.
Coast Guard Captain Noemi Cayabyab stated on Thursday: “Based on the data we have right now on rescued 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.”
Of the 42 rescued individuals, 38 were passengers and four were crew members. According to Coron health officials cited by local media, six of the rescued had been discharged, 33 remained hospitalized, and three were in critical condition.
Search and Rescue Operation Underway
The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed multiple assets to assist in the search and rescue operation, including:
- Coast Guard vessels and personnel
- The BRP Suluan, which proceeded from El Nido to assist
- A military vessel and other government boats
- Volunteer fishermen and private vessels
The Coast Guard has also coordinated with coastal villages in case some passengers drifted to shore. A radio broadcast was issued to ships in the area to be on the lookout for ferry passengers.
Rescue efforts have been challenged by difficult conditions. According to the Associated Press, bad weather and big waves complicated the operation. The ferry was originally approximately 4 nautical miles off Coron’s Turda village when it sent a distress signal, but strong sea currents had dragged it to a distance of 7.68 nautical miles (14.2 kilometers) off Turda.
Because the incident occurred relatively close to the mainland, response teams were able to quickly transport rescued survivors to an evacuation center in Barangay Turda, which sits just north of Marcilla.
What Happened to the Ferry After the Fire?
According to the Associated Press, the MV June Aster was afloat but listing after the fire was put out. Coast Guard footage showed the vessel completely engulfed in flames at the height of the fire, complicating efforts to approach and search the ship.
As of Thursday midday, tendrils of smoke still wafted over the charred vessel. There was no reported oil spill as of Thursday morning, according to the Coast Guard.
Authorities have not stated that the ferry has sunk.
What Caused the Philippines Ferry Fire?
The official cause of the fire has not yet been determined at the time of this report.
According to the Associated Press, Coast Guard Captain Noemi Cayabyab said it was unclear what caused the fire, and the Coast Guard was coordinating with the shipping company and maritime authorities to gather more details.
A survivor told authorities that the flames may have started in the cargo hold after a loud explosion was heard. However, this account represents a survivor’s reported observation and has not been confirmed as the official cause by investigators.
The Mirror reported that Commodore Noemie Cayabyab stated: “Based on our inquiry with one of the survivors, the fire started in the cargo hold. After a couple of minutes, fire started to spread.” This statement reflects the Coast Guard’s initial inquiry with a survivor, not a final investigative finding.
Authorities have not confirmed:
- An explosion as the cause
- Electrical failure as the cause
- Fuel as the cause
- Sabotage or terrorism as the cause
The investigation into the cause remains ongoing.
What Was the MV June Aster Carrying?
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the ferry was carrying several vehicles and general cargo, including:
- Several motorcycles
- An electric car
- A forklift
- A pick-up van
- Other goods
The presence of vehicles in the cargo hold is relevant to survivor accounts that the fire may have originated in that area, though authorities have not confirmed the cause.
Where Is Coron and Why Is It a Popular Tourist Destination?
Coron is a municipality in the province of Palawan in the western Philippines. It is one of the country’s most well-known tourist destinations, famous for:
- Clear turquoise waters and pristine beaches
- World-class diving and snorkeling sites
- World War II shipwreck sites that attract divers from around the world
- Island-hopping routes and limestone karst landscapes
The ferry was approaching Coron when the fire occurred, and many passengers were reportedly traveling to the area for work or to return home.
What We Know About the Passengers and Crew
According to the Philippine Coast Guard and media reports:
Total onboard: 134 people
Passengers: 117
Crew: 17
Rescued: 42 (38 passengers, 4 crew members)
Dead: 5
Unaccounted for: 87
Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased or the rescued individuals.
Regarding foreign nationals, the Coast Guard initially stated there was no information about foreigners onboard. However, the BBC reported that two Chilean nationals were among the rescued. This discrepancy has not been fully resolved in official statements.
What Survivors Reported
Survivors have provided accounts of the chaotic scene as the fire spread.
Roland Lerma, a 30-year-old construction worker from Leyte province, told the BBC he was traveling to Coron for work with five neighbors. He described the moment the fire broke out:
“When I was on the floor, people were trampling me,” Lerma said. He crawled until he could find his footing, then leaped into the sea. He said he saw children who had also jumped into the water.
“When I hit the water, I ditched all my possessions—the clothes I was wearing, phones, bags—so that I could float,” he said. Lerma floated on his back for about two hours before rescuers arrived.
“It was cold. If the rescue had been delayed, I would have definitely died last night,” he said.
The Coast Guard has stated that not all passengers were wearing life jackets when the fire occurred.
A first responder at the scene described the situation as “really heartbreaking,” adding: “They are one hour away from the main port.”
Philippine Coast Guard Response
The Philippine Coast Guard has been the primary agency coordinating the response. Key statements include:
On casualty figures: Coast Guard Captain Noemi Cayabyab stated: “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.”
On the rescued: Cayabyab confirmed that 38 passengers and four crew members were rescued. She noted: “However, we have not yet been able to obtain information from the rescued individuals because we have not been able to speak with them.”
On the cause: The Coast Guard has stated that the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Coast Guard has extended condolences “to the families of the missing, and we fully understand the anxiety felt by the families of those who are still unaccounted for.” A spokesperson added: “We are working tirelessly on these operations today because we believe that, in situations like this, time is truly of the essence.”
What Happens Next?
Several developments are expected in the coming days:
- Continued search and rescue operations for the 87 individuals still unaccounted for
- Reconciliation of the passenger manifest with rescued survivors and those who may have reached shore independently
- Identification of the deceased and notification of families
- Medical treatment for survivors, including those in critical condition
- Official investigation into the cause of the fire
- Inspection of the vessel and cargo
- Review of safety and emergency procedures
The Coast Guard has urged families who believe relatives were aboard the June Aster to contact authorities and report missing passengers to help reconcile the manifest.
Latest Updates on the Philippines Ferry Fire
Last updated: September 10, 2026
This is a developing story. The latest verified information from the Philippine Coast Guard indicates:
- Deaths: 5 confirmed
- Rescued: 42 (38 passengers, 4 crew)
- Unaccounted for: 87
- Total onboard: 134
- Vessel status: Afloat but listing; smoke still visible
- Cause: Under investigation
Search and rescue operations remain ongoing. Figures may change as authorities continue to account for all passengers and crew.
Timeline
September 8, 2026 (Tuesday evening)
MV June Aster departs Manila’s Port of Baseco at approximately 8:13 p.m. local time, bound for Coron, Palawan.
September 9, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Approximately 6:45 p.m.: Fire breaks out on the ferry approximately 1.2 nautical miles northeast of Barangay Marcilla in Coron.
- Shortly afterward: Distress signal is sent; Coast Guard and other responders begin rescue operations.
- Overnight: Rescue efforts continue; 42 people are rescued and five bodies are recovered.
September 10, 2026 (Thursday)
- Coast Guard provides latest figures: 5 dead, 42 rescued, 87 unaccounted for.
- Search and rescue operations continue.
- The ferry remains afloat but listing; smoke still visible.
- Investigation into the cause of the fire continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the MV June Aster?
The MV June Aster, a passenger ferry traveling from Manila to Coron, Palawan, caught fire on the evening of September 9, 2026, while approaching its destination. At least five people have died, 42 have been rescued, and 87 remain unaccounted for.
How many people were on the MV June Aster?
According to the ship’s manifest, 134 people were onboard: 117 passengers and 17 crew members.
How many people died in the Philippines ferry fire?
As of the latest Philippine Coast Guard update, five people have been confirmed dead. This figure may change as search operations continue.
How many people are missing from the MV June Aster?
Eighty-seven people remain unaccounted for, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. Coast Guard Captain Noemi Cayabyab emphasized that this is “live data” that may change as search and rescue operations continue.
Where did the MV June Aster fire happen?
The fire occurred in waters approximately 1.2 nautical miles (2.2 kilometers) northeast of Barangay Marcilla in Coron, Palawan province, in the western Philippines.
Was the cause of the ferry fire confirmed?
No. The official cause of the fire has not been determined. A survivor reported that the fire may have started in the cargo hold after a loud explosion, but this has not been confirmed by investigators.
Was the MV June Aster traveling to Coron?
Yes. The ferry had departed from Manila and was bound for Coron, a popular tourist destination in Palawan province, when the fire broke out.
Are rescue operations still underway?
Yes. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with Coast Guard vessels, military assets, government boats, volunteer fishermen, and private vessels participating in the effort.
Conclusion
The fire aboard the MV June Aster has become one of the Philippines’ most significant maritime disasters in recent years. As of the latest Philippine Coast Guard figures, five people have died, 42 have been rescued, and 87 remain unaccounted for.
Search and rescue operations continue in the waters off Coron, Palawan, with multiple agencies and volunteer vessels participating. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have emphasized that casualty figures are preliminary and may change.
Families of missing passengers are enduring an agonizing wait for news, while survivors recover from their harrowing experiences. The Philippine Coast Guard has urged anyone with information about missing relatives to contact authorities to help reconcile the passenger manifest.
Newz18 will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as verified information becomes available from official sources.