At least five passengers have been reported dead and 87 missing in the recent major fire on one of the Philippines‘ passenger boats, MV June Aster, that caught fire near Coron, Palawan. On the evening of September 9, 2026, flames burst out of the ferry, which had 134 passengers and crew on board. The Philippine Coast Guard reported on September 10 that 42 people have been rescued and search operations for those yet to be located are ongoing. The figures are still preliminary because the rescue mission for the stranded passengers on the Palawan ferry is ongoing, officials have said.
What Happened in the Philippines Ferry Fire?
The MV June Aster ferry fire happened on Wednesday evening as it was making its way toward Coron, Palawan, one of the Philippines’ most popular tourist destinations.
The fire, around 6.45 p.m., was at least 2.2 kilometres from shore, near to Coron, and the vessel had left Baseco in Manila for Coron, the Coast Guard said. The authorities released a video of the big flames and emergency response teams.
There were ten crew members and 117 passengers – a total of 134 people on board – according to the passenger manifest.
Readers can follow further developments through our Philippines breaking news updates and Palawan travel and safety guide.
Philippines Ferry Fire Death Toll and Missing Passengers
According to the most up to date Coast Guard statistics, released Thursday morning, five people were dead and 87 others were missing.
The 42 rescued included 38 passengers and four crew members, said PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab. She warned that the missing persons’ list may be updated as authorities are checking the manifest and finding out more from the survivors.
Later reports came out with 43 survivors, reflecting how fast things are developing during the operation. Rough seas and strong currents were hampering the rescue operations, according to AP.
That is why the current death toll of 87 in the Philippines ferry blaze should not be taken as the actual death toll.
Search for MV June Aster Survivors Intensifies
The Philippine Coast Guard and the responders continued the search for MV June Aster survivors on Thursday.
Residents of the area have also come to the aid of the survivors, including local fishermen and volunteers. Rescued passengers were able to get off the burning ship, as captured by Coast Guard photos made available by international news agencies.
The injured were brought to the Barangay Turda Covered Court in Coron where local government officials were helping and communicating with families.
Families are urged to arrange between themselves and the authorities to find out about relatives on board the ferry. GMA News reported the release of hotlines for the families of missing passengers by Coron officials.
Our Philippines emergency contacts guide provides additional information for travellers dealing with emergencies in the country.
What Caused the MV June Aster Fire?
The exact cause of the MV June Aster fire has not been officially established.
Police are searching for clues to the cause of the fire. The Coast Guard was also looking into safety concerns, such as if the ship was overloaded and if passengers had enough lifejackets, GMA News reported. According to some reports, some rescued passengers were not wearing life jackets.
These inquiries are not intended to be a determination of any violation. The investigation is continuing.
At publication time, authorities had yet to determine the exact cause of the fire, which could have come from the cargo hold, AP reported.
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Why Ferry Safety Matters in the Philippines
In the Philippines, as the country is composed of thousands of islands, ferries are critical to maritime transport, as many communities rely heavily on sea transportation.
The nation’s safety story has been defined by major maritime disasters. The MV Doña Paz accident of 1987 is the worst peacetime maritime accident in history.
But, the conditions of past accidents should not be inferred for the MV June Aster ferry fire. Investigators will have to investigate the cause of this incident, and if there is a failure to operate or safety failure involved in the incident.
Travellers planning island journeys can also read our Philippines ferry travel safety guide.
FAQs
How many people died in the Philippines ferry fire?
At least five people were confirmed dead as of September 10, 2026. Authorities warned that the toll could change as search operations continue.
How many people are missing from MV June Aster?
The Philippine Coast Guard reported 87 people unaccounted for, based on the manifest and the number of confirmed survivors and fatalities.
How many people were aboard MV June Aster?
The manifest listed 134 people: 117 passengers and 17 crew members.
Where did the Philippines ferry catch fire?
The MV June Aster caught fire in waters near Coron, Palawan, after travelling from Manila. The Coast Guard placed the incident roughly 2.2 kilometres offshore.
