Daijiworld Media Network – Manila

Manila, Sep 10: At least five people were killed and dozens remained unaccounted for after a massive fire broke out on a passenger ferry in the Philippines on Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

The M/V June Aster was travelling from Manila towards Coron in Palawan province when the blaze erupted about 2.2 km offshore near Barangay Marcilla.

According to preliminary information, 134 people were on board the ferry, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Coast guard officials said 42 people had been rescued, comprising 38 passengers and four crew members, while 87 people remained unaccounted for.

Coast Guard spokeswoman Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the figures were based on live information and could change as search and rescue operations continued.

The five fatalities were brought ashore, while survivors were taken to an evacuation centre in Barangay Turda. Images released by the coast guard showed the vessel engulfed in flames as rescue personnel worked through the night to bring passengers to safety.

Efforts to extinguish the blaze and locate those missing were continuing, but poor weather, strong waves and powerful currents in the area were hampering the rescue operation.

Officials said they were yet to determine the cause of the fire, and an investigation has been launched.