Rescue teams struggled on Thursday to safely reach a passenger ferry that caught fire, resulting in at least five deaths and nearly 100 missing people, officials said.
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The tragic incident occurred on Sept. 9 around 6:45 local time. The ferry was carrying 117 people and 17 crew members to a popular tourist attraction in Palawan province, BBC reported.
A search-and-rescue mission is underway, and the Philippine Coast Guard said that the fire is still not out.
A PCG spokesperson stated that a survivor recalled hearing an explosion stemming from the ferry's hold compartment, which was carrying multiple vehicles, including five motorbikes.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said on
Facebook that as of 11:10 p.m. local time, "a total of 42 individuals have been rescued, while five casualties were initially reported and brought to the Barangay Turda Covered Court in Coron, Palawan."BBC and The Guardian reported that the number rescued has risen to 43.
Search and Rescue Continues For Missing Passengers
Atienza Interisland Ferries, the owner of the scorched ferry, released a statement, per BBC.
"It is with profound sadness and deep concern that Atienza Interisland Ferries confirms a major fire occurred aboard our vessel, the MV June Aster. Our priority is the safety, health and well-being of everyone on board. We are devastated to report that as a result of this incident, several passengers and crew members have sustained injuries. And some went missing,"
the statement read. "Furthermore, despite ongoing and aggressive search operations, several individuals currently remain unaccounted for.""We extend our most sincere sympathies and thoughts to the passengers, crew and families affected by this tragic event," the statement continued. "We are working around the clock and have mobilised all available resources to manage this crisis."
The ferry had been headed to Coron, in the province of Palawan.
Coron, a popular attraction among locals and foreign tourists, is famed for its limestone cliffs and sandy beaches. It's also popular among divers for the World War II shipwreck sites.
Due to the high volume of typhoons in the area, ferry accidents are not uncommon in the Philippines.
