PALAWAN, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the possible liability of the shipping company operating the MV June Aster after a devastating fire aboard the passenger ferry left at least five people dead and 86 others missing.
The tragedy unfolded on the evening of September 9 as the vessel was travelling to Coron, Palawan. The ferry was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members, according to the official manifest.
As of the latest official count, 43 people had been rescued, while search and rescue teams continued efforts to locate those still unaccounted for.
Survivor Recounts Loud Explosion Before Fire Spread Within Seconds
Investigators are now piecing together what happened in the critical moments before the MV June Aster was engulfed in flames.
According to the PCG, one survivor told authorities that passengers heard a loud explosion near the cargo hold before smoke appeared and the fire spread rapidly.
The survivor described the situation as unfolding with alarming speed, leaving little time for people to react.
Some passengers reportedly jumped into the sea without life jackets as the flames and smoke quickly overwhelmed parts of the vessel. Authorities said the suddenness of the emergency could help explain why several survivors were rescued without life-saving equipment.
PCG Examines Possible Negligence by Crew and Operator
The Coast Guard is now looking beyond the cause of the fire.
Investigators are examining whether the shipping company or crew may have committed any act of negligence before, during or after the emergency.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the scale of the tragedy means the possibility of liability must be thoroughly investigated.
Authorities will examine survivor accounts, crew testimonies, the vessel’s condition, emergency procedures and other factors before determining whether anyone may be held responsible.
For now, the PCG has stressed that no final conclusion has been reached.
Ferry Had Passed Safety Inspection Months Before Tragedy
One of the most troubling details surrounding the disaster is that the MV June Aster had reportedly passed a Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection in March 2026.
The vessel also underwent a pre-departure inspection before leaving for its journey.
Built in 2022, the ferry had a certified capacity of 333 people, meaning the 134 passengers and crew listed on the manifest were below its approved maximum capacity.
Authorities said the vessel had also been found to have sufficient life jackets based on its certified capacity.
But the investigation is now expected to focus on a crucial question:
If the vessel had passed safety inspections, what caused the fire to erupt so suddenly — and why did so many people remain missing?
Thick Smoke Prevents Rescuers From Entering the Vessel
Search and rescue operations have been complicated by dangerous weather and conditions aboard the burned ferry.
As of the latest updates, the fire had not yet been officially declared extinguished, while thick smoke continued to pose serious risks to emergency personnel.
Coast Guard teams have been unable to fully enter and inspect the vessel because of the danger of suffocation and other hazards.
Strong winds and currents have also caused the ship to drift, making rescue and recovery operations even more difficult.
The PCG has coordinated with nearby coastal communities and vessels while using drift and current data to help identify areas where survivors or victims may have been carried.
Massive Search Continues for 86 Missing People
The race to find the missing remains the government’s immediate priority.
The Coast Guard, military personnel, nearby vessels, private responders and local fishermen have all been involved in the search.
Authorities are also asking coastal communities to immediately report possible sightings of survivors or bodies that may have drifted toward shore.
The exact number of people unaccounted for could change as authorities continue verifying the identities of survivors and comparing rescue reports with the vessel’s official manifest.
What Investigators Need to Find Out
The investigation into the MV June Aster disaster is expected to focus on several major questions:
- What caused the reported explosion near the cargo hold?
- What was being carried in the affected area?
- How quickly did the crew respond?
- Were emergency procedures properly followed?
- Were passengers adequately alerted?
- Why did some passengers end up in the water without life jackets?
- Did the shipping company or crew fail to prevent or properly respond to the disaster?
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire, and the Coast Guard has cautioned against drawing conclusions before investigators can access the vessel and gather more evidence.
A New Maritime Safety Investigation Begins
The tragedy has once again put the spotlight on passenger safety in the Philippines, an archipelago where millions of people depend on ferries and other vessels for transportation.
In response to the disaster, the PCG has moved to intensify pre-departure inspections nationwide as investigators work to determine exactly what went wrong aboard the MV June Aster.
The Bottom Line
Five people are confirmed dead, 43 have been rescued and 86 remain missing after the MV June Aster caught fire while travelling toward Coron, Palawan.
The Philippine Coast Guard is now investigating not only what caused the deadly blaze but also whether the shipping company and crew could be held liable.
The ferry had passed safety inspections months before the disaster, making the investigation even more critical.
A survivor’s account of a loud explosion followed by flames spreading within seconds could hold the key to understanding one of the Philippines’ most devastating maritime disasters of 2026 — but until investigators can safely enter the burned vessel, the biggest questions remain unanswered.
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