Rescuers Board Charred MV June Aster After 40‑Hour Blaze

The Philippine Coast Guard reached the wreck of the MV June Aster on Friday morning, more than 40 hours after a cargo‑and‑passenger ferry caught fire off Manila. Five bodies were recovered, 43 people were rescued and are receiving treatment, while 84 passengers remain unaccounted for.

The disaster occurred as the ferry sailed toward the island resort of Coron in Palawan. Thick smoke and high temperatures made initial boarding impossible for rescue teams, who later overcame the risks to search the ship’s cargo hold, the suspected origin of the blaze.

Coast Guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab said toxic carbon‑monoxide fumes and intense heat posed serious danger to personnel, but the crew pressed on, deploying a large vessel, divers, and nurses to widen the search zone by air and sea.

Survivors reported the fire breaking out in the cargo compartments and that many passengers were not wearing life vests. One survivor recalled scrambling to escape, while the 30‑year‑old “Roland Lerma” said the rescue had to be swift or his death was likely.

The MV June Aster, built in 2002, held valid safety certificates and underwent an enforcement inspection in March. Investigators are examining manifest accuracy, cargo loading, and crew response procedures, amid the Philippine maritime authority’s inquiry.