A ferry caught fire off the coast of Coron, a popular tourist destination in the Philippines, killing at least 35 people. The incident occurred on a Sunday morning, as the vessel was en route to a nearby island. Emergency services responded quickly but faced challenges due to the remote location and rough sea conditions.
The MV June Aster, which was carrying around 100 passengers, reportedly began to smoke before flames broke out. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with many people jumping into the water to escape. Rescue teams used boats and helicopters to reach survivors, but the number of missing individuals remains high.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest a possible electrical fault may have triggered the blaze. The Philippine Coast Guard and local police are working together to recover bodies and assist the injured.
The tragedy has sparked outrage among local communities and tourism officials, who are concerned about the safety of maritime travel in the region. Efforts are ongoing to provide support to the families of the victims.
