Five dead, 86 missing after ferry fire in Palawan, Philippines

A fire broke out aboard a ferry operating near a popular tourist destination in the Philippine province of Palawan on Thursday, killing at least five passengers and leaving 86 others unaccounted for, the Philippine Coast Guard reported. The vessel, which was en route in the waters surrounding the island, caught fire shortly after departure, prompting an immediate emergency response from coast‑guard teams and local rescue units.

Rescue crews have been conducting search and rescue operations throughout the day, deploying boats and helicopters to locate the missing passengers while providing medical assistance to survivors. Authorities are coordinating with maritime officials to determine the cause of the blaze and to assess the safety of other vessels in the area. The incident has heightened calls for stricter safety inspections of passenger ferries operating in the region.