76 dead, 13 unaccounted for after MV June Aster ferry fire off Coron, Philippines

The ferry’s ticket manifest originally listed 134 people. Two listed passengers subsequently confirmed that they had not boarded, reducing the number determined to have been aboard to 132.

PCG reported 43 survivors, 76 confirmed fatalities and 13 people unaccounted for. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) separately listed 12 people as missing and said the reported location of one additional survivor had not been verified, accounting for the same outstanding total.

Authorities said the figures could change as recovery, identification and manifest-verification work continued.

MV June Aster was nearing Coron after sailing from Manila when PCG received the fire report. Initial Coast Guard information placed the vessel approximately 2 km (1 mile) northeast of Barangay Marcilla, Coron.

PCG said a rescue boat was deployed within five minutes. Government vessels, nearby ships, local responders and fishers subsequently joined the operation.

Thick smoke and extreme heat restricted access to the vessel for nearly 40 hours. PCG declared the fire extinguished at approximately 10:15 LT (02:15 UTC) on September 11 and began assessing whether responders could safely enter.

Burned remains were found in the economy accommodation area during the assessment. Five fatalities had previously been confirmed, and the recovery of 30 additional remains increased the toll to 35.

Recovery teams retrieved another 41 remains on September 12, raising the confirmed death toll to 76.

Flooded lower sections and the engine room had not been fully searched by September 13. Officials said additional remains could be found and that investigators were also seeking evidence that could help determine how the fire began.

The Philippine National Police began collecting and comparing DNA samples to identify the recovered remains. Forensic specialist Richard Allan Mangalip said many were badly burned and that the volume of specimens prevented authorities from establishing a firm timetable.

Officials said the identification process could take weeks or months. Investigators had not determined where or how the fire began as of September 13.

MARINA said survivors reported hearing two explosions inside the vessel shortly before the fire. Separately, PCG said a surviving crew member initially reported seeing a small fire in the cargo hold before it spread rapidly.

PCG activated its Maritime Safety Investigation and Maritime Crime Investigation units to determine the cause and establish possible liabilities. Investigators were examining whether alarms and instructions were given, whether evacuation procedures were followed and how crew members assisted passengers.

Initial survivor accounts suggested that an alarm might not have sounded, but PCG said the reports still required verification.

Authorities were also examining a tarpaulin reportedly lowered over part of the ferry because of rain. PCG had not established whether the covering obstructed passengers or contributed to anyone becoming trapped.

PCG and MARINA were seeking the vessel’s captain for questioning as of September 13. His name did not appear on the official list of 43 survivors, although a shipping-company representative provided preliminary information that he had accompanied surviving crew members to the Barangay Turda covered court after the incident.

Authorities had not independently verified the captain’s whereabouts.

PCG said MV June Aster passed a Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection in March 2026 and underwent an Emergency Readiness Evaluation before the fire. The vessel was found compliant in terms of competency, documentation and equipment at the time of those assessments.

Investigators were separately examining whether required emergency procedures were followed during the incident.

Atienza Inter-Island Ferries Inc., the vessel’s operator, said it was cooperating with investigators. MARINA said the company was also providing food, transportation and initial financial assistance to affected families.

References:

¹ Joint authorities report 76 fatalities and 13 people unaccounted for – Philippine Coast Guard/Facebook – September 12, 2026

² Updated MV June Aster accounting and assistance for affected families – Maritime Industry Authority/Facebook – September 13, 2026

³ Philippine ferry fire victims may take months to identify, authorities say – Reuters – September 13, 2026