Passenger Ferry Catches Fire Off Palawan Coast in the Philippines, Leaving 5 Dead and Dozens Missing
MANILA: A huge sea accident off the Philippines has left a passenger ferry burning mid-ocean and caused a wide search and rescue effort, with loss of life.
The international news agencies and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the passenger ship MV June Aster suddenly caught fire while operating in waters off Palawan island. More than 130 people were aboard the ship at the time of the accident.
Rescue Operations and Casualties:Teams of emergency response personnel and local rescue units quickly arrived at the site, rescuing 43 survivors from the burning ship and nearby water. But police admitted the death toll in the incident was at least five.
Dozen of people are still unaccounted for as search and rescue boats, as well as local fishing boats, sweep through the area.
Maritime Authorities have instituted a formal investigation to establish what caused the sudden fire aboard the ferry.Preliminary safety assessments and checks are being made to examine compliance standards.