At least five dead and 86 missing after passenger ferry fire

| Senior Live News reporter Published September 10, 2026 7:18am Updated September 10, 2026 7:34am To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Dozens of people are missing and at least five were killed after a ferry went up in flames in the Philippines. The blaze swept on board the MV June Aster ferry off the island’s coast yesterday evening. It was heading to Coron in the Palawan province, a popular tourist destination famed for its crystal waters and cliffs. Coastguard pulled 43 people out of the sea after the vessel burst into flames. What was left of MV June Aster after it burst into flames off the Philippines coast (Picture: EPA) The fire happened on board a ferry to Coron, a tourist hotspot known for its clear waters and cliffs (Picture: AFP) The ferry was carrying 134 people when the alarm was raised at about 6.45pm local time. Footage shows the ferry fully ablaze and still at least partially floating as rescuers scoured the sea at nightfall. Two Chilean nationals were pulled out of the water, according to BBC News. The fire is believed to have started in the ferry’s cargo hold, from where it spread, according to survivors (Picture: via REUTERS) The cause of the fire has not been confirmed yet, but the coast guard said it may have started in the cargo hold before quickly spreading, citing survivor accounts. Coast Guard spokeswoman Commodore Noemi Cayabyab told local broadcasters: ‘We have tried to get stories from the survivors but there are still in shock. ‘Some passengers were not wearing life vests.’ Metro has contacted the UK Foreign Office for a comment. Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here. For more stories like this, check our news page. Follow Metro.co.uk on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here. Arrow MORE: Neighbours tried saving girl, 7, and her aunt from fatal house fire Arrow MORE: Man, 23, charged with double murder after house fire that killed girl,7, and aunt Arrow MORE: Arsonist sets himself on fire while torching family cars and home News Updates Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.