More than 40 hours after a deadly fire broke out on the MV June Aster, Philippine rescuers boarded the charred vessel to search for missing passengers.
Officials recovered five bodies and rescued 43 people, many of whom were receiving treatment in hospitals. Eighty‑four travelers remain unaccounted for; two passengers did not board on purpose.
Photos from the Coast Guard captured smoke still curling from the wrecklate Friday morning, although fresher images later that afternoon showed the plumes having died down.
Rescue crews began entering the hull on Friday at 11:30 a.m. local (03:30 g.m.t.), faced with dense smoke, high temperatures, and the risk of toxic carbon‑monoxide exposure. Coast Guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab said the main challenge was penetrating a vessel still visibly ablaze.
The fire is believed to have ignited in the cargo hold, where passengers were not wearing life vests. Survivors like Roland Lerma described frantic chaos and panic as they scrambled to escape amid the heat and smoke.
Authorities have broadened the search, deploying a large Coast Guard ship, broadcasting to nearby vessels, and enlisting divers and nurses to assist. An aerial survey was also conducted to study the wreckage and surrounding waters.
The ferry, built in 2002 and recently inspected, held valid safety certificates before the incident. Investigators are examining manifest discrepancies, cargo loading integrity, and crew emergency protocols. Atienza Interisland Ferries, the operator, pledged cooperation and expressed solidarity with affected families.
