PCG: Efforts focused on finding more survivors as many questions surround MV June Aster fire

Nearly a day after the deadly fire on the MV June Aster that killed five persons and left dozens missing in Coron, Palawan, the Philippine Coast Guard said Thursday it has not declared fire out on the passenger ferry, preventing rescuers from boarding the vessel.

In Ivan Mayrina’s report on 24 Oras, the fate of 86 passengers and crew is still unknown after the blaze on the ferry rapidly spread while it was 7.6 nautical miles from Barangay Turda in Coron.

The stricken ship had run aground close to shore and was still smoking at around 2 p.m.

Due to its condition, PCG search and rescue teams were unable to board the ferry.

Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the fire and whether there were foreigners among the 117 passengers and 17 crew members who were onboard during the incident.

According to Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., the MV Jun Aster departed the Port of Baseco in Manila at 8:13 p.m. on Tuesday en route to its destination of Coron in Palawan.

The ship was estimated to arrive on the evening of Wednesday. But it was around 6:45 p.m. when the Coast Guard received a distress call and a report that there was a fire.

The PCG said it was able to deploy a rescue boat five minutes after it was alerted of the emergency.

Survivors, however, said the fire quickly spread throughout the ship.

Based on the latest information, five persons were confirmed dead, 43 were rescued and 86 remain unaccounted for.

“We interviewed one survivor, to know where to start: accordingly nakarinig ng pagsabog, nagkaroon ng usok at sumunod ang apoy napakabilis ng nangyari, after seconds biglang kumalat ang apoy at ‘yun na nangyari,” said Commodore Noemi Cayabyab, PCG spokesperson during a briefing.

(An explosion was heard, this was followed by smoke and then the fire, everything happened quickly, after a few seconds the blaze spread and that was it.)

Adding to the difficulties are strong wind and waves, elements that caused the ship to run aground.

The PCG said they hope to find more survivors.

Cayabyab said it was possible some people found themselves in the nearby shorelines and that they are coordinating with coastal barangays.

At the same time, she said there is also the possibility that many could not have made it off the ill-fated vessel or have drowned after jumping into the water.

She said many questions would be answered once they are able to board the ferry, including concerns whether the incident was an act of terrorism.

One particular area of concern is the cargo hold, where many claim the explosion occurred.

Based on a document the ship’s captain submitted before the MV June Aster set sail, the ferry was carrying five motorcycles, an electric vehicle, one forklift and pickup truck inside its cargo hold.

It was also learned the ship was not overloaded based on its passenger manifest: there were 134 passengers on a ship that could accommodate 333.

“The vessel underwent compliance inspection ,March 10 2026, compliant naman,” Cayabyab said.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said it as sent a team to investigate the incident and provide assistance to the victims. —RF, GMA News