Transport
Ferry Fire Off Philippine Coast Leaves Five Dead and Dozens Missing
A ferry traveling from Manila to Coron caught fire on Wednesday evening, resulting in at least five fatalities and 86 people reported missing.
According to a report by Khaosod Online citing Reuters, a ferry fire occurred off the coast of Coron Island in the Palawan province of the Philippines on the evening of Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The vessel, identified as the MV June Ester, was carrying 134 people in total, consisting of 117 passengers and 17 crew members, while en route from Manila.
Philippine Coast Guard officials confirmed that at least five individuals have died in the incident. Rescue operations are currently underway to locate 86 people who remain missing. Authorities have successfully rescued 43 survivors so far. Social media footage of the event shows flames engulfing the vessel and emergency responders transporting victims to the shore.
For travelers and residents in the region, this incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with maritime travel in the Philippines. While the cause of the fire is currently under investigation, the scale of the tragedy underscores the importance of verifying safety protocols when booking regional sea transport. At this stage, the exact cause of the fire and the final status of the missing passengers remain to be confirmed by official investigators. Further updates are expected as the search and rescue mission continues.