Death Toll From Philippine Ferry Fire Rises To 77; Eight Still Missing

16/09/2026

Death Toll From Philippine Ferry Fire Rises To 77; Eight Still Missing

MANILA, Sept 16: The death toll from a passenger vessel fire off the Philippine province of Palawan has risen to 77, while eight people remain missing, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Wednesday.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said four individuals listed on the manifest were confirmed not to have boarded the vessel, reducing the number of people aboard the MV June Aster from 132 to 128. Authorities said 43 passengers survived the tragedy.

The ferry had departed Manila last Wednesday and caught fire in waters off Coron, Palawan. The Coast Guard said efforts are continuing to verify passenger records and account for all individuals listed on the vessel’s manifest as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.