Ferry fire off Palawan: at least five dead and 87 missing

According to official figures from Wednesday, 87 people are missing. The death toll was initially put at at least five; a final toll has yet to be determined, as some of those rescued are seriously injured and the identification of victims is ongoing. The responsible agencies set up gathering points for relatives.

Search and rescue operation

The province of Palawan is one of the country's most popular travel destinations and is known for its coral reefs, lagoons, and white sandy beaches. Ferries connect the numerous small island communities around Coron and Busuanga and are a central means of transportation for locals and tourists alike. The accident raised concerns in the region about the safety of smaller passenger ships.

The national Coast Guard announced an investigation into the cause of the fire. Initial indications point to a fire in the engine room that spread rapidly to other parts of the ship. The exact circumstances and possible violations of safety regulations are now to be reviewed by an independent commission.

Political reactions

Neighboring states and international aid organizations offered support. The Philippine government said it is in close contact with the consulates of affected foreign nationals. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is being regularly informed about the progress of the rescue operations, according to statements from Manila.

The authorities urged relatives to contact the information centers set up in Coron and in the provincial capital Puerto Princesa. A central hotline has been activated to handle inquiries about missing persons. Lists of those rescued are being updated continuously.

The accident evokes memories of earlier ferry disasters in the region, which repeatedly resulted in high casualty numbers. Critics have pointed for years to partly outdated fleets and insufficient safety inspections. The current disaster could increase political pressure on the national Coast Guard and the Ministry of Transport to accelerate reforms in the ferry sector.

Safety debate and consequences

Footage circulated on social media purportedly showing a large column of smoke over the water. The authenticity of these images was initially not confirmed by official sources. Local radio stations called for an end to speculation and for spreading only official statements from the authorities.

The coming days are considered crucial for the search for survivors. With each hour, the probability of recovering the missing alive decreases, a Coast Guard spokesperson said. The operation will therefore continue around the clock, also with the support of diving units and helicopters.

According to current findings, both locals and foreign tourists were on board the ship. The exact list of nationalities is currently being compiled by consular services. Several countries, including European states, made contact with their embassies in Manila.

The Philippine Coast Guard emphasized that this is one of the worst ferry disasters in recent memory in the province of Palawan. The authorities assured the relatives of full support in identifying the victims and clarifying the fate of the missing.