Search Continues for 12 Missing in Ferry Fire Off Palawan

CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines — Search and rescue operations continued Monday, Sept. 14, for 12 people still missing after passenger ferry M/V June Aster caught fire off Coron, Palawan. Authorities have commenced a dewatering operation to search the submerged ship’s lower section. Kristine Mechelle Ablaña, municipal tourism officer of Coron, stated in a phone interview that smoke was observed emanating from the vessel prior to the incident. Local authorities are prioritizing the investigation into the cause of the fire and the confirmation of the whereabouts of passengers and crew. This incident highlights the critical importance of maritime safety measures in the Philippines, an archipelago nation where ferries are a primary mode of transportation for people and goods. The country has a history of similar accidents, underscoring the need for the modernization of aging vessels and the strengthening of safety regulations. According to local media reports, rescue teams are currently conducting an exhaustive search within the sunken vessel. While the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, initial investigations suggest a possible electrical malfunction.