Rescuers faced challenges on Thursday as they attempted to gain access to a passenger ferry that had ignited and burned throughout the night in the western Philippines. The incident resulted in the loss of five lives with 86 individuals reported missing. Search and rescue operations were temporarily suspended at nightfall but were scheduled to resume the following morning.
To date, 43 individuals have been successfully rescued, according to Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab. The ferry, named MV June Aster, remained afloat but was tilting off the coast of Coron following the fire outbreak on Wednesday evening. Plumes of smoke continued to emanate from the scorched vessel by midday on Thursday.
Authorities were working diligently to verify the presence of two foreigners on board, cross-referencing names on the passenger manifest and collaborating with local government entities and the shipping company to ascertain the status of those deceased, rescued, and missing.
The ferry had a capacity for 306 passengers and 27 crew members, with 134 individuals listed on the manifest, comprised of 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Departing from Manila, the vessel was en route to Coron in Palawan province when the fire was reported around 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday.
Efforts to enter the ship and assess the situation were impeded by dense smoke, as indicated by Cayabyab, who expressed the primary goal of gaining access to the ship for a thorough evaluation.
Later in the evening, search and rescue operations were temporarily halted and were scheduled to recommence in the morning. The cause of the fire remained uncertain, with one survivor suggesting that it may have originated in the cargo hold. The Coast Guard was collaborating with relevant authorities to gather additional information.
A survivor recounted a rapid sequence of events, including a loud explosion followed by the swift spread of smoke and fire. Rescuers encountered adverse weather conditions and rough seas during their efforts, necessitating the involvement of various vessels, including a coast guard ship, high-speed response boats, a military vessel, and additional government and civilian boats.
Amidst challenging conditions, images from the rescue operation depicted coast guard personnel distributing life jackets to survivors amidst the backdrop of the burning ferry. Passengers were transferred to smaller boats, while body bags were positioned in a makeshift port area.
Coron, renowned for its natural beauty, including clear waters and unique limestone formations, serves as a popular tourist destination. In the Philippine archipelago, ferries are a common mode of transportation, although sea accidents are prevalent due to inclement weather, vessel maintenance issues, overcrowding, and lax enforcement of safety protocols, particularly in remote regions.
The Philippines has a history of maritime tragedies, including the infamous sinking of the ferry Dona Paz in 1987, which resulted in over 4,300 fatalities after colliding with a fuel tanker in the central part of the country.
[End of the rewritten article]
