In brief
In a Wednesday night blaze off Palawan, the MV June Aster, carrying over 100 passengers, caught fire just 1.2 nmi from Marina. Roland Lerma survived, describing a chaotic evacuation and a desperate leap into the sea after the ship flared. Nine people have died and 86 remain missing. The Philippine Coast Guard continues search and rescue efforts, with families on edge as updates trickle in.
Incident Overview
On Wednesday night, the cargo ferry MV June Aster was igniting just 1.2 nautical miles from Coron, Palawan. More than 100 passengers and crew were aboard.
Five people were confirmed dead and 86 remain missing as the blaze raged, turning the ship into one of the deadliest maritime incidents in the Philippines in recent memory.
Survivor’s Account
Roland Lerma, a construction worker from Leyte, survived by leaping into the sea while the fire unfolded.
"When I was on the floor, people were trampling me," Lerma told the BBC from a hospital in Coron.
He recalled scrambling to escape the burning vessel, slipping, finding his footing, and finally leaping into the cold water. Floating on his back for about two hours, he felt the urgency of a delayed rescue.
Aftermath and Rescue Operations
Search‑and‑rescue teams remain on the scene, facing persistent smoke despite the fire not yet being extinguished. Survivors are still shaken, and authorities are urging remaining passengers to cooperate.
The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed that the cargo, including motorcycles, an electric car, a forklift and a pick‑up van, had been aboard at the time of the incident.
Family Reactions
Families of those missing are enduring a painful wait. Anelyn Magbanua shared the anguish of awaiting her husband Marlon’s fate after he boarded the ferry from Manila to Coron.
Marlon's last known position was near Coron when the blaze started; he remains unaccounted for.
