Search continues for 84 missing after Philippine ferry fire leaves 5 dead

Search and rescue operations continued Friday for 84 people still missing after a passenger ferry caught fire off the western Philippine province of Palawan, leaving at least five dead and 43 rescued.

Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the police Maritime Group to intensify search and rescue operations for passengers and crew still unaccounted for, according to the state-run Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The MV June Aster was reportedly carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members when it departed Manila for Coron, Palawan, before catching fire Wednesday night.

Five people have been confirmed dead while 43 passengers and crew have been rescued since the incident, PNA reported.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday revised the possible number of missing persons from 86 to 84 after two individuals listed on the manifest confirmed they had not boarded the vessel.

“Time is crucial and essential for this kind of unfortunate incident,” Nartatez said, adding that police would deploy available personnel and resources to assist the search.

Police units in coastal areas near the site have also been instructed to coordinate with local officials and mobilize medical and emergency response teams.

Nartatez ordered police to assist in an investigation into the cause of the fire and determine possible liabilities.

Authorities are also working to identify the five bodies recovered so they can be returned to their families.