At least five people have died and 86 remain missing after a fire broke out aboard the passenger ferry M/V June Aster off the coast of Palawan province in the Philippines on Wednesday evening. The vessel was en route from Manila to the town of Coron when the blaze erupted approximately 2.2 kilometers offshore.

According to Philippine Coast Guard spokeswoman Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, 43 people have been rescued so far, including 38 passengers and five crew members, though the figures could still change as rescue operations continue. The ferry’s manifest listed 134 individuals onboard—117 passengers and 17 crew members. Authorities were still confirming the identity of those rescued and whether any foreigners were among the passengers.

Initial reports suggested the fire began in the ship’s hold, possibly preceded by a loud explosion, according to testimony from a surviving crew member. Within seconds, the fire rapidly spread throughout the vessel, which was reported to be listing and still emitting thick smoke into Thursday.

Rescuers faced significant challenges in accessing the ferry to search for those potentially trapped inside due to the heavy smoke. Efforts involve the Philippine Coast Guard, local military units, volunteer groups, and fishermen. Adverse weather conditions and strong sea currents further complicated the search and rescue mission. The ferry was initially reported about four nautical miles from the village of Turda but was later found almost 7.7 nautical miles away due to shifting currents.

Coron, the ferry’s intended destination, is a popular tourist site known for its natural limestone formations and clear waters. The incident has prompted many relatives and locals to seek information on social media, with hundreds leaving messages on the page of the Coron town mayor.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the Philippine Coast Guard coordinating efforts with the shipping company and maritime authorities. The M/V June Aster is 53 meters long and had a capacity of 306 passengers and 27 crew, significantly exceeding the number of people on board during the incident.

Sea accidents involving ferries are relatively common in the Philippines, due to weather, vessel maintenance issues, overcrowding, and inconsistent enforcement of safety regulations. Earlier this year, a triple-deck ferry sank in the southern Philippines, resulting in over 50 deaths. The nation also experienced one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in 1987, when the ferry Dona Paz collided with an oil tanker, killing more than 4,300 people.

Authorities have reiterated that the numbers are preliminary as the search and rescue operation remains ongoing.