In the waters off Palawan province, a ferry carrying 134 souls caught fire Wednesday evening, becoming the latest chapter in the Philippines' long and sorrowful history with maritime tragedy. The MV June Aster, bound for the island municipality of Coron, was consumed by flames close enough to shore that rescue was possible for some — yet far enough that dozens remain unaccounted for. Five lives have been confirmed lost, 42 have been pulled to safety, and 87 remain suspended in the uncertainty between those two counts, as search teams continue working the waters where the vessel went down.
Philippine ferry fire kills at least 5, leaves 87 missing
At least five people killed and 87 missing after ferry fire; 42 rescued from vessel with 134 aboard.