Key facts
- A fire broke out on the MV June Aster ferry near Coron, Palawan, on Wednesday night.
- Five people have died and 86 are missing.
- Survivor Roland Lerma described being trampled by other passengers while escaping.
- Lerma stated he floated in the sea for two hours before being rescued.
- The fire reportedly started in the cargo hold after a loud explosion.
- The ferry was carrying motorcycles, an electric car, a forklift, and other goods.
A fire aboard the MV June Aster ferry bound for the Philippines' Palawan province on Wednesday night has resulted in at least five deaths and left 86 people missing, with rescue operations still underway. The vessel, carrying over 100 passengers, departed Manila's Port of Baseco on Tuesday night and caught fire approximately 1.2 nautical miles off the coast of Coron's Marcilla village. Survivors described a chaotic scene as flames filled the boat. Roland Lerma, a passenger, recounted being trampled by others as he tried to escape, eventually jumping into the sea and floating for about two hours before being rescued. The fire is believed to have started in the cargo hold following a loud explosion. The ship was carrying various goods, including motorcycles and an electric car. Authorities confirmed that two Chilean nationals were among the 43 people rescued. Families of the missing are anxiously awaiting updates, with some, like Anelyn Magbanua, whose husband Marlon was on board, enduring a desperate wait for news.