A ferry caught fire off the coast of Coron, Palawan, Philippines, killing at least 76 people, according to local authorities. The incident occurred on a passenger vessel named MV June Aster, which was en route when the blaze broke out. The fire spread rapidly, trapping many onboard and leading to a high fatality count.
Emergency services and the Philippine Coast Guard have been working to locate survivors and manage the disaster. The Coast Guard has expanded its search to nearby coastal areas, including communities in Oriental Mindoro, in hopes of finding any remaining passengers. Rescue operations continue amid ongoing efforts to assess the full scale of the tragedy.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Initial reports suggest the blaze started in the engine room, though officials have not confirmed this. The incident has raised concerns about maritime safety and emergency response in the region. Authorities are now focusing on recovery efforts and providing support to affected families.
