At least five people have been killed and more than 85 remain missing after a fire broke out aboard a passenger ferry off the coast of Palawan, a western Philippine province known for its scenic tourist destinations. The MV June Aster, which had departed from the capital Manila carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members, was approaching Coron — a popular diving and island-hopping destination — when flames engulfed the vessel on Wednesday evening, local time. Coast guard officials confirmed that 42 people had been rescued, with search and rescue operations continuing through the night and into Thursday.

Footage shared by the Philippine Coast Guard on social media showed the ship completely consumed by fire, with rescuers pulling survivors from the water into small boats. Strong currents and poor weather complicated both firefighting and rescue efforts, causing the drifting vessel to move from its initial distress position — roughly 2.2 kilometres offshore near Barangay Turda — to a point nearly eight nautical miles away. Coast Guard Captain Noemi Cayabyab cautioned that the number of missing, which stood at around 87, remained fluid as operations were ongoing and rescuers had not yet been able to interview survivors taken to an evacuation centre nearby.

For families onshore, the wait for news has been agonising. Anelyn Magbanua told the BBC she had gone to bed expecting her husband Marlon to arrive at the Coron pier, only to be woken by a cousin with news of the fire.