Five dead, 87 missing after ferry fire in Philippines

Five people have died and 87 remain missing after a passenger ferry caught fire off the coast of Palawan in the western Philippines, authorities said Thursday.

The fire broke out aboard the MV June Aster near Coron, a popular tourist destination, on Wednesday night.

The ferry had departed from Manila and was carrying 134 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members.

Forty-two people, including 38 passengers and four crew members, have so far been rescued, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Search and rescue operations are continuing.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the number of missing people could change as the operation progresses. Strong waves, bad weather and powerful sea currents have made the rescue effort more difficult.

Footage released by the coast guard showed the ferry engulfed in flames as rescuers helped survivors from the water.

Local fishermen also assisted in bringing people ashore.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Authorities are investigating the incident while continuing efforts to locate those still unaccounted for.