5 dead, 87 missing after ferry fire near Coron

A FERRY fire near Coron has left five people dead and 87 unaccounted for, turning waters off the Philippine tourist destination into the focus of an urgent rescue effort.

The fire broke out aboard the MV June Aster as it approached Coron, in the province of Palawan, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Coastguard Captain Noemi Cayabyab said the vessel was carrying 134 passengers and crew when the fire broke out.

Forty-three people have been rescued, while five people have died, according to the coastguard.

Authorities are continuing search-and-rescue operations for those still unaccounted for.

The BBC spoke to an official who helped take casualties to hospital, who described the incident as “really heartbreaking”.

The cause of the fire has not been established.

Coron is a popular tourist destination in Palawan, known for its beaches, coral reefs and diving sites.

The PCG has not yet provided further details on the circumstances that led to the fire or the condition of those rescued.(MyTVCebu)

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