The fire that engulfed the passenger vessel MV June Aster off Coron, Palawan, has claimed at least 76 lives, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The incident occurred in waters near the island province, where the vessel was en route to a nearby destination.
Emergency responders have intensified efforts to locate survivors, with the Coast Guard expanding its search to coastal areas of Mindoro. The operation includes coordination with local disaster management teams to ensure all possible survivors are accounted for.
The MV June Aster was carrying passengers when the fire broke out, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of people on board or the full extent of the damage.
The Coast Guard continues to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available. The incident has raised concerns about maritime safety in the region.
