Philippines Ferry Blaze Leaves 76 Dead, 13 Missing


A deadly fire on the MV June Aster, a ferry travelling from Manila to the tourist hotspot of Coron, has surged the death toll to 76. The Philippine Coast Guard recovered 41 bodies from the wreckage and confirmed 43 survivors, but 13 people remain missing.



Aerial view of the burned MV June Aster
The ferry caught fire near Coron on Wednesday, before it could reach its destination.


The blaze erupted as the ferry approached Coron, igniting a chain of explosions that threw passengers into panic. Survivors reported hearing a loud boom followed by the sight of smoke that quickly turned into fire. In the scramble, many were unable to wear life jackets.


Rescue teams arrived hours later; toxic fumes and residual heat delayed entry until Friday. The Coast Guard is conducting a full investigation, focusing on cargo loading, possible manifest discrepancies, and the crew’s emergency response procedures. The March inspection had confirmed the vessel’s safety certificates were valid.


The MV June Aster carried 117 passengers and 17 crew members. The operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries, has pledged complete cooperation with the inquiry.


Local authorities have asked families to aid in identifying victims through personal belongings and DNA testing, stepping to close the gaps left by the fire’s casualties.