Philippine rescuers board MV June Aster 40 hours after ferry fire

September 11, 2026 at 09:23 AM2 min

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Philippine Coast Guard rescuers boarded the fire-damaged ferry MV June Aster on Friday, more than 40 hours after a blaze broke out on the vessel en route from Manila to Coron. Five people have been confirmed dead, 43 have been rescued, and 84 remain missing. The boarding was delayed by toxic fumes and high temperatures that prevented access to the hull since Wednesday.

Key Facts

Five people have been killed and 43 rescued after the fire on the MV June Aster, with 84 still missing as of Friday morning.
The Philippine Coast Guard boarded the ferry at about 11:30 on Friday, more than 40 hours after the fire began on Wednesday evening.
The MV June Aster was travelling from Manila to the tourist island of Coron in Palawan province when the fire broke out.
Coast guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab said the biggest challenge was penetrating the ship due to thick smoke, high temperatures, and toxic fumes.
Preliminary interviews with survivors suggest the fire started in the cargo hold, according to the coast guard.

Rescue Operation

Philippine Coast Guard personnel boarded the MV June Aster at approximately 11:30 on Friday, more than 40 hours after the fire began. The coast guard deployed one of its largest ships and broadcast radio messages to vessels in the area to widen the search. Search teams are accompanied by divers and nurses, and the plan is to resume firefighting efforts from the cargo hold. Coast guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab said thick smoke, high temperatures, and toxic fumes remained a severe risk to personnel.

Casualties and Survivors

Five people have been confirmed dead and 43 have been rescued, many of whom are receiving hospital treatment. The number of missing stood at 84 as of Friday morning, down from 86 after two passengers on the manifest were found not to have boarded. Survivor Roland Lerma, 30, described being trampled as passengers scrambled to escape, then jumping into the sea and seeing children in the water. The coast guard noted that some passengers were not wearing life vests when the fire erupted on Wednesday evening.

Investigation

Preliminary interviews with survivors suggest the fire started in the cargo hold, according to the coast guard. The Philippines' maritime authority is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The ferry was nearing its destination at the tourist hotspot of Coron in Palawan province when it caught fire.