June Aster ferry erupts in flames, 5 die, 100 vanish

A passenger ferry burned to the waterline near Coron, Palawan, on Wednesday night, killing five passengers and leaving almost 100 people unaccounted for. The incident underscores growing concerns over maritime safety in tourist hotspots.

The Philippine Coast Guard shared the footage on its Facebook page, showing the MV June Aster with 117 passengers and 17 crew members aboard. The footage shows the vessel’s decks ablaze and the crew scrambling to secure passengers.

First responders reached the ship within minutes, hauling survivors to an emergency center before the blaze intensified. Rescue teams quickly reached the vessel, evacuating 43 survivors to an emergency center in Coron before the flames intensified.

Palawan’s coastline attracts millions of visitors annually, and ferry traffic between its islands is a critical part of the local economy. The region has experienced rising passenger volumes in recent years.

The Philippine Coast Guard has issued a statement confirming that a full investigation is underway and that it will cooperate with other agencies. Officials are coordinating with maritime safety regulators to review the incident.

## Background & Context

The MV June Aster is a 32‑meter passenger ferry that operates daily between Puerto Princesa and Coron, carrying tourists to Palawan’s famed lagoons. It is known for its scenic route through the Bacuit Archipelago.

Owned by June Aster Lines, the company has run operations for over a decade, with a fleet of four vessels serving the tourism corridor. The company claims it adheres to national safety guidelines.

Philippine maritime law requires ferries to carry fire suppression systems, safety drills, and regular inspections, though enforcement varies across the archipelago. Compliance records are maintained by the Maritime Industry Authority.

In the past year, the National Bureau of Marine Search and Rescue has logged 12 incidents involving passenger vessels in Palawan, prompting calls for stricter oversight. A review is underway.

Crew members reported that the vessel’s fire suppression system was activated during the incident, but no records show whether it functioned fully. The captain has not yet released a statement.

## Current Situation and Response

As of Friday morning, Coast Guard units have rescued 43 passengers and are actively searching for the remaining 74 individuals, some of whom were reported missing after the fire. The search covers both the water and nearby reefs.

A Coast Guard spokesperson said that firefighting crews are still battling residual heat, while a search party has been dispatched to locate the missing. Officials are coordinating with local authorities.

June Aster Lines released a statement expressing profound sadness over the incident and pledging full cooperation with investigators. The company will provide all vessel logs to authorities.

The Philippine Coast Guard has requested that the Maritime Industry Authority review the vessel’s safety certificates, while prosecutors are expected to file an inquiry into possible violations. A preliminary report is due next week.

Investigations continue as families await updates, while authorities emphasize that a thorough inquiry will determine the cause of the blaze and prevent future tragedies. The incident has sparked discussions among tourism operators about enhancing emergency protocols. Further updates will be released as the inquiry progresses.