Five Dead, 87 Missing After Ferry Fire Near Palawan

According to Nikkei Asia, five people died and 87 others were missing after the MV June Aster caught fire near the Philippine island of Palawan on Wednesday evening, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The coast guard said 42 people had been rescued from the vessel, which was engulfed in flames about 1.2 nautical miles northeast of Barangay Marcilla, Coron, Palawan. The ferry had departed Baseco port in Metro Manila and was headed for Coron, and it was operated by Atienza Interisland Shipping Line. Coast guard vessels and other ships were searching the surrounding waters, while rescue efforts were being hampered by bad weather and the vessel being dragged away from shore by the current. The cause of the fire was still under investigation, and Atienza had not issued a statement by Thursday morning.