Philippine authorities are trying to locate the captain of the passenger ferry MV June Aster as maritime-safety and criminal investigations into the fatal fire widen.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said officials had received information that the captain survived the blaze. However, his name does not appear on the official list of 43 confirmed survivors and his whereabouts had not been established when this report was prepared.
Investigators are expected to examine whether the alarm was sounded, whether passengers received warnings and evacuation instructions, and whether crew members assisted those aboard as the fire spread through the ship.
Emergency response comes under scrutiny
The multi-agency inquiry will consider the actions of the captain and crew alongside the origin and rapid spread of the fire. Authorities have not announced any finding of wrongdoing, and the search for the captain does not by itself establish criminal responsibility.
Cayabyab said survivors described an emergency that developed extremely quickly, leaving some people without time to obtain lifejackets. Investigators will seek to establish what warnings were given and whether the vessel's fire and evacuation procedures were followed.
The possible effect of a tarpaulin used to shield open areas of the ferry from rain will also be assessed. The Coast Guard said it may have been a contributing factor, but officials have not determined whether it impeded passengers or contributed to anybody becoming trapped.
These questions form part of the investigation and should not be treated as conclusions about the cause of the fire or the conduct of individuals aboard.
At least 35 dead and 54 missing
The confirmed death toll stands at 35 after responders recovered 30 bodies from inside the burned-out vessel. Fifty-four people remain listed as missing and 43 survived.
The figures account for 132 people now believed to have sailed. Although the manifest contained 134 names — 117 passengers and 17 crew members — two listed passengers subsequently confirmed that they had not boarded.
Coast Guard officials said more bodies remained aboard MV June Aster, but they had not provided a further recovery count or increased the confirmed death toll by Saturday morning.
The 30 recovered bodies were brought to the Port of Borac in Coron on 12 September and transferred to the Provincial Forensic Unit for identification. Temporary facilities were established at the port as relatives waited for information.
Fire broke out near the end of Manila–Coron voyage
MV June Aster was nearing Coron after a journey of more than 20 hours from Manila when the fire was reported on the evening of 9 September 2026.
The vessel was off the village of Turda in Palawan, approximately 39 kilometres from the Port of Coron. Fire, heavy smoke and extreme heat initially prevented responders from entering parts of the ship.
Firefighters gained access after the blaze was extinguished and found remains in the economy accommodation section. Images released by the Coast Guard showed extensive damage inside, including twisted steel bed frames, ash and burnt vehicles.
Cause remains undetermined
The cause of the fire has not been established. The Maritime Industry Authority said survivor accounts referred to two explosions shortly before the blaze, while another account suggested smoke may first have been seen around the cargo hold. These accounts remain evidence for investigators and are not an official determination of origin or cause.
The inquiry is expected to consider the condition and operation of the vessel, its cargo, fire-protection systems, emergency communications, evacuation arrangements and the actions of the crew. Investigators will also assess any potential liability only after gathering and testing the available evidence.
Operator Atienza Interisland Ferries has said it is cooperating with the authorities and supporting affected families.
This is a developing investigation. The casualty figures, the captain's status and the scope of the inquiry may change as recovery work continues and the authorities release further confirmed information.