At least five dead, more than 80 missing after Philippine ferry fire

Open this photo in gallery:A screengrab taken from a video shows the MV June Aster burning after a fire broke out on the ferry, off the coast of Palawan, Philippines, on September 9.Philippine Coast Guard/ReutersFive people died and more than 80 are missing after a ferry caught fire off Palawan island in the western Philippines on Wednesday night, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Thursday.Forty-three people were rescued on Wednesday night after the fire broke out aboard the MV June Aster in waters off Coron, Palawan, the PCG said.Footage released by the Coast Guard showed flames engulfing parts of the vessel and responders placing bodies in body bags.Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab told DZXL radio that the vessel’s manifest listed 117 passengers and 17 crew members.Open this photo in gallery:A survivor is assisted as he steps down from a small boat after being rescued from the burning ferry off Palawan province, Philippines, Sept. 9.Uncredited/The Associated PressBased on the reported number of survivors and fatalities, more than 80 people were unaccounted for, and Cayabyab said the figures may change as the rescue operation continues.The ferry had departed from Baseco in Manila and was bound for Coron, she said.The cause of the fire is under investigation.