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The Philippine Coast Guard reported that firefighters boarded the MV June Aster for the first time on Friday after extinguishing the blaze that had raged since Wednesday evening, allowing the recovery of 30 additional bodies and bringing the confirmed fatalities to 35. The vessel had been carrying 134 people including 17 crew members when the fire erupted around 6:45 p.m. near Coron in Palawan province. Rescuers had earlier pulled 43 survivors from the water, some without life jackets after jumping overboard as flames spread, according to Coast Guard spokeswoman Capt. Noemi Cayabyab.
A Reuters report indicated that two explosions were heard before the fire broke out, though the exact cause remained under investigation as of Friday. Thick smoke and extreme heat had initially prevented access to the ferry, which drifted several nautical miles from its distress position. Images from the scene showed extensive damage with accommodation areas reduced to twisted metal and ash.
Coast Guard teams in protective gear carried body bags from the vessel to waiting boats as families of the missing gathered in Coron expressing frustration over limited information on their loved ones. The operation involved multiple vessels from the coast guard, military and local fishermen as well as private operators. Cayabyab stated that all available assets had been deployed to locate those still unaccounted for.
The ferry was en route from Manila to the popular tourist destination of Coron known for its diving and beaches. Two Chilean nationals were among those rescued in the initial effort. Authorities continued to cross-check the passenger manifest against the rescued, deceased and missing lists to determine the precise number still unaccounted for, which stood in the dozens.
The incident adds to the Philippines’ long record of maritime disasters, a country that Statista data identifies as having suffered the highest number of ferry fatalities worldwide between 1966 and 2017. Reuters reported a ferry sinking in southern waters in January 2026 that left at least 52 people dead, prompting a national safety audit. An AP News review of a 2023 ferry fire detailed 29 deaths in the southern Philippines and noted the operator involved had recorded 32 safety incidents since 2019.
Search and rescue efforts were expected to persist over the coming days as conditions allowed, with aerial support on standby. The Philippine Coast Guard emphasized coordination with local authorities in the response. No official statement on potential negligence had been issued pending the outcome of the formal probe.
