Philippines ferry fire leaves 87 missing, 5 dead
So far, 43 people have been rescued
Five people died and 88 remain missing after a ferry caught fire off Palawan Island in the western Philippines on Wednesday night, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Thursday.
43 people were rescued after the fire broke out aboard the MV June Aster in waters off Coron, Palawan, the PCG said.
Footage released by the coast guard showed flames engulfing parts of the vessel as responders placed bodies in body bags.
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Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab told DZXL radio that the vessel's manifest listed 117 passengers and 17 crew members.
Based on the reported figures, 88 people remain unaccounted for. Cayabyab said the number could change as the rescue operation continues.
The ferry had departed from Baseco in Manila and was bound for Coron, she said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
