PSA Intelligence | RiskBPO Reports

Passenger Ferry En Route To Coron Engulfed by Fire, Killing 76 People

In the latest of a history of maritime disasters, a fire on passenger ferry June Aster killed 76 people near Palawan. The investigation, following days of rescue, may take weeks, if not months.

Safety and Security Disasters

At least 76 people have been confirmed dead while 12 remain missing following the fire that struck roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry vessel MV June Aster on Wednesday, September 9. The fire broke out at approximately 11:00 p.m. as the vessel was en route to Coron, Palawan. According to initial investigation results and anecdotes from survivors, a loud explosion was heard near the cargo hold, where the fire may have started. The winds then spread the fire through the rest of the vessel, which notably had flammable materials like wooden ceilings and tarpaulins. A separate passenger anecdote claimed that crew members used fire extinguishers to attempt to put the fire out. Rescue teams had difficulty penetrating the vessel immediately due to thick smoke and rough weather and sea conditions.

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