A fire that erupted on a passenger ferry as it neared the popular tourist destination of Coron in the Philippines has killed five people and left 86 reported missing, local authorities said. The blaze broke out while the vessel was approaching the island province of Palawan, an area known for its island-hopping tourism; the incident has been described as 'heartbreaking'.
Rescue operation under way
Search-and-rescue teams, including coastguard vessels and local boats, were dispatched to the site after the fire was reported. Crews have been working to locate survivors and recover victims, with divers and small craft conducting searches in the waters around Coron. Officials have warned that casualty figures may change as operations continue.
Casualties and accountability
Authorities confirmed that five people have been found dead and that 86 individuals remain missing. Officials have not yet released a definitive count of the total number of passengers and crew on board, and details about possible injuries have not been made public. Family members and local authorities are seeking information about the whereabouts of those unaccounted for.
Investigation and wider context
The cause of the blaze has not been determined and an investigation has been opened by relevant authorities to establish what happened and whether safety regulations were followed. Coron and the surrounding waters are a major draw for domestic and international tourists, and incidents involving vessels in the archipelago frequently prompt calls for reviews of maritime safety and emergency response procedures.
Officials said they would provide further updates as search efforts continue and the inquiry progresses. Local agencies are coordinating with national authorities to manage the emergency response and to support families affected by the incident.