Philippines coast guard rescues survivors after ferry fire near Coron, five dead, 87 missing

A ferry caught fire off the coast of Coron in the Philippines on Tuesday, killing at least five passengers and leaving 87 others unaccounted for, authorities said. The incident occurred in rough seas near the popular tourist destination, prompting an immediate response from the Philippine Coast Guard and local rescue teams.

Coast Guard crews deployed rescue vessels and helicopters to the scene, conducting searches despite challenging weather conditions that hampered visibility and maneuverability. Officials confirmed that the fire broke out aboard the passenger ferry while it was en route between Coron and the nearby island of Busuanga, though the cause remains under investigation. As the search operation continues, families of the missing are being notified, and the government has pledged further assistance to support the ongoing rescue efforts.