Philippines Ferry Fire Death Toll Rises to 76, Dozens Still Missing
At least 76 people have died and 13 remain missing after a ferry fire near Coron, Palawan, with rescue and identification efforts ongoing.
By Daniel Okafor · First published 10 Sept 2026
In brief
- A fire broke out on the M/V June Aster ferry near Coron, Palawan, resulting in a major maritime disaster.
- The death toll has climbed to at least 76, with many bodies recovered from the burned vessel in recent days.
- Authorities report the ferry was carrying 134 passengers and crew when the fire erupted near its destination.
- Only 43 people have been rescued alive, while 13 are still missing as search and recovery operations continue.
- Investigators believe the fire started in the cargo hold after two explosions, and identification of victims is underway.
Timeline · 7 moments
Fire breaks out on ferry M/V June Aster off Palawan
Arab News ↗Philippine Coast Guard launches rescue operations near Coron
Times of India Top Stories ↗Five deaths confirmed and dozens reported missing after ferry fire
World News CNA ↗42 individuals rescued from burning vessel by authorities
philstar.com - RSS Headlines ↗Coast Guard continues search for survivors and missing passengers
© AFP ↗Authorities investigate the cause of the ferry fire
Deutsche Welle ↗Death toll climbs to 76 as more bodies recovered
India Today ↗Update 12 Sept 2026, 6:39 pm UTC
The death toll from the ferry fire near Coron, Palawan has risen sharply to at least 76, with only 43 survivors and 13 people still missing. Officials have recovered dozens of bodies from the burned vessel, and the search for the missing continues. Authorities say the fire began in the cargo hold and spread rapidly after two explosions were heard.
Update 10 Sept 2026, 8:10 am UTC
Authorities have confirmed that 87 people remain missing after the ferry fire, with the death toll holding at five and 43 rescued. The vessel was carrying 134 people, and search and rescue operations are ongoing near Coron, Palawan.
How it started
The fire began on the M/V June Aster, a passenger ferry traveling near the northern part of Palawan, close to the tourist area of Coron. The vessel had departed from Manila and was carrying over 100 passengers and crew. Early reports suggest that the blaze broke out unexpectedly, prompting an immediate emergency response from the Philippine Coast Guard.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. Videos released by authorities showed flames engulfing the ferry, with some passengers jumping into the water to escape.
How it unfolded
On September 9, 2026, the ferry M/V June Aster caught fire while off the coast of northern Palawan. The incident happened near Coron, a popular tourist destination. Passengers and crew were forced to abandon the burning vessel, with some jumping overboard to escape the flames.
Rescue operations were quickly launched by the Philippine Coast Guard. By September 10, officials confirmed that at least five people had died in the tragedy. Authorities managed to rescue 42 people from the water and the burning ship.
However, conflicting reports emerged regarding the number of missing passengers. Some outlets stated that 87 people remained unaccounted for, while others only described 'dozens' as missing. The ferry was reported to have carried 134 people, highlighting the scale of the emergency response.
Search and rescue operations continued into the following day, with coast guard teams combing the area for survivors and recovering bodies from the sea.
Where it stands
As of the latest updates, five people have been confirmed dead and 42 have been rescued. Dozens are still missing, with some reports estimating as many as 87 unaccounted for. The Philippine Coast Guard continues its search and rescue operations in the waters off Palawan.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire while focusing on finding survivors and accounting for everyone who was on board.
What to watch
The immediate priority remains the search for missing passengers and crew. Investigators are also working to determine how the fire started and whether safety protocols were followed on the ferry.
Further updates are expected as rescue operations progress and officials provide more information about the cause and full impact of the disaster.
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