LOOK: MV June Aster still smoking in Coron waters

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday is still monitoring the situation of MV June Aster in the waters of Coron, Palawan.

Based on the photos provided by the PCG, the ship was still smoking as of 6:30 a.m.

The PCG said its response team is on the ground and closely monitoring the vessel’s condition.

Based on the latest update from the search and rescue (SAR) team, 43 people have been rescued while five others have died following the fire incident.

Around 84 people are still reported missing.

The MV June Aster was traveling from Manila to Coron when the fire occurred near the waters of Barangay Turda on Wednesday evening.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined as authorities continue their investigation

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab earlier said the crew member of MV June Aster told authorities the fire started small in the cargo hold

She said authorities have yet to obtain the complete details of how the fire started as the surviving crew member interviewed by the PCG has yet to provide a full account of the incident.

Coron MDRRMO Emergency Operations Center spokesperson Kristine Mechelle Ablaña said some of the 43 rescued passengers were brought to hospitals, while others have already been discharged.

Of the 43 rescued individuals, Ablaña said 17 are residents of Palawan, while the others came from different provinces. Two of the rescued passengers are foreigners.—AOL, GMA News