Five dead and dozens missing after ferry fire sinks off Palawan

The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed that a ferry operating off the coast of Palawan sank, carrying a total of 134 individuals listed as passengers and crew. The vessel went down in the early hours of Tuesday, prompting an immediate response from maritime authorities and local rescue teams who were dispatched to the scene to locate survivors and recover the missing.

Rescue operations have focused on deploying patrol boats, helicopters, and divers to search the surrounding waters, while medical personnel stand ready to treat those rescued. Officials are compiling a comprehensive passenger manifest to verify the identities of all aboard and to assess the full extent of the incident. The coastguard continues to monitor the area, and families of the missing have been notified that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.