Ferry Fire Off Philippines' Palawan Leaves 5 Dead, Says Coast Guard

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) A fire broke out Wednesday evening aboard a vessel carrying over 100 passengers near a tourist hotspot in the Philippine province of Palawan, leaving at least five people dead, local media and the coast guard said.

"The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) immediately responded to a fire incident involving M/V June Aster at the vicinity waters approximately 1.2 nautical miles northeast of Barangay Marcilla," in the Coron municipality, the service said late Wednesday on Facebook.

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Video shared by the coast guard showed the vessel completely engulfed in flames. Another post over two hours later said "five casualties were initially reported" and brought ashore, with accompanying photos showing several body bags.

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The post said 42 people had been rescued, while GMA News reported the ship had been carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew, citing a coast guard official.

Tracking data from MarineTraffic showed the June Aster had departed from Manila.

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