Story perspectives

MV June Aster Fire Kills 76, 13 Still Missing

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 2:15 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Atienza Ferries Fire

Philippines authorities report the MV June Aster fire killed 76 people and left 13 missing.
The MV June Aster was traveling from Manila to Coron, Palawan when survivors heard two explosions before the fire spread.
The vessel carried over 130 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew, with 43 survivors.
Atienza Inter-Island Ferries pledged full cooperation with investigators and support for victims' families.

Summary

Coron Mayor's Search

Hundreds used Coron mayor’s Facebook page to look for missing loved ones.
The ferry’s manifest recorded 134 passengers and crew, though two listed never boarded.
Coast Guard spokeswoman Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the fire started in the cargo hold.
Recovered bodies were found in the ship’s economy accommodation area before forensic handover.
The disaster adds to recent Philippine ferry incidents, including a January sinking that killed 52.

History

Historical Context

The 1987 sinking of the Sulpicio Lines ferry Doña Paz, which killed an estimated 4,386 people after an overloaded vessel collided with the oil tanker Vector, sparked public outcry over ferry safety and remains the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster in history. The September 9 2026 fire aboard MV June Aster, reported by Coast Guard Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, revives those safety concerns.

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Atienza Ferries Fire

Philippines authorities report the MV June Aster fire killed 76 people and left 13 missing.
The MV June Aster was traveling from Manila to Coron, Palawan when survivors heard two explosions before the fire spread.
The vessel carried over 130 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew, with 43 survivors.
Atienza Inter-Island Ferries pledged full cooperation with investigators and support for victims' families.

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