Drone imagery captured by the Philippine Coast Guard has unveiled the extent of the destruction following a fire that engulfed the MV June Aster near Palawan. The footage shows thick smoke billowing from the charred remains of the vessel.
Emergency responders successfully rescued 43 individuals from the burning ferry. However, maritime officials report that at least five people have lost their lives in the incident, with the search and rescue operations ongoing for more than 80 passengers and crew members still unaccounted for.
My cousin works in rescue ops nearby. They are doing everything they can, but the scale is overwhelming.
Where were the safety drills? Another tragedy like this shouldn’t happen without better regulations.
I planned a trip to Palawan next month. This makes me very nervous about sea travel there.
The drone footage is grim. How can so many people be unaccounted for on a ferry?
Praying for the families of the missing. This is heartbreaking news from our waters.