Philippines Ferry Fire Leaves Five Dead and Dozens Missing Off Palawan

Search continues after blaze on passenger ferry

A fire broke out aboard a passenger ferry off Coron in Palawan, Philippines, killing at least five people and leaving dozens unaccounted for, according to coast guard reports.

The vessel, identified in local reports as carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew, was the scene of a rapid blaze. Rescuers pulled 42 people from the water and surrounding boats as search teams continued looking for the missing.

Authorities expand the rescue operation

Philippine coast guard units and nearby vessels joined the operation. Officials have not publicly confirmed a cause while investigators examine the wreckage and interview survivors.

Ferry accidents remain a recurring risk on busy inter-island routes. Families gathered at ports awaiting updates as hospitals treated those pulled from the sea.