A passenger ferry (Roro) identified as the MV June Aster caught by fire on the coast of Coron, Palawan on the evening of September 9, 2026.
Sparking a major search and rescue operation by Philippine authorities.
The ferry was traveling from Manila to Coron when the fire broke out at around 6:45 pm. The vessel was operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries that was carrying passengers and crew on the board.
134 passengers were on board.
According to the news reports, the official manifest listed over 134 people aboard the MV June Aster consisting of 117 passengers and 17 crew members.
The Philippine Coast Guard immediately launched a search and rescue operations after the fire was reported.
Other government agencies, nearby vessels and local residents also helped in the rescue effort. Several people had been rescued while others remained missing.
In the latest reports, at least five deaths had been confirmed. Some survivors reportedly described hearing a loud explosion near the cargo area where vehicles were being transported before the fire rapidly spread through the vessel.
While authorities had not yet established the official cause of the fire.
The search and rescue operation remains active, but has been complicated by difficult sea conditions, including poor visibility and strong waves.
The number of rescued, missing and deceased passengers may change as authorities will received additional informations.