Philippine rescue teams have resumed their search following the fire aboard passenger ferry MV June Aster, with authorities revising the number of people missing from 86 to 84.
The Philippine Coast Guard said checks established that two people included on the vessel's manifest had not boarded. Five deaths and 43 survivors remained confirmed on Friday, 11 September, while the search continued off Coron in Palawan.
The figures remain provisional and could change again as authorities reconcile the passenger list with survivors, casualties and people who may have been recovered independently.
Manifest corrected after two passengers did not board
MV June Aster left Manila on Wednesday carrying a manifest listing 117 passengers and 17 crew members. The vessel was nearing the end of its journey to Coron when fire broke out during the evening of 9 September.
Authorities initially reported 86 people missing after accounting for five fatalities and 43 rescues. The revised total of 84 does not represent two additional rescues: it reflects confirmation that two people named on the original manifest were not aboard.
Accurately reconciling a passenger manifest is an important part of any maritime emergency response. Investigators must establish who embarked, who survived, who died and who remains unaccounted for while avoiding duplicate or incorrect entries.
Vessels, divers and local boats join search
The Coast Guard deployed five vessels and divers to the area. Army rescue boats, fishermen and private resort operators were also assisting, while a larger Coast Guard vessel was being sent to support the operation.
The search had been suspended after nightfall on Thursday because of poor visibility and difficult conditions before resuming on Friday morning.
Thick smoke and extreme heat initially prevented emergency teams from entering the burned-out ferry. As conditions improved later on Friday, firefighters managed to board the vessel and were seen on one of its blackened upper decks. Officials had not announced what, if anything, had been found inside at the time of publication.
The search includes the ferry itself, nearby waters and surrounding coastal areas. Strong currents following the fire had carried the vessel farther offshore and complicated efforts to account for everybody.
Fire began as ferry approached Coron
The fire was reported at approximately 6.45pm local time on 9 September while the ferry was close to Coron, a major tourism destination in northern Palawan.
Survivors described smoke developing rapidly before flames spread through the ship. The Maritime Industry Authority said survivor accounts referred to two successive explosions inside the vessel, but investigators have not established what caused either the explosions or the fire.
The ferry was carrying vehicles and general cargo, including five motorcycles, an electric vehicle, a forklift and a pickup truck, according to the Coast Guard. The presence of particular cargo does not establish the origin of the fire, and no official cause has been announced.
Authorities previously said the vessel had passed safety inspections and was operating below its stated capacity. The formal investigation will need to examine the wreck, cargo, machinery, emergency procedures and relevant operating records before conclusions can be drawn.
Investigation remains active
The Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime Industry Authority are investigating the incident. Atienza Inter-Island Ferries, the vessel's operator, has said it is cooperating with government authorities and has mobilised resources to assist with the response.
The immediate priority remains finding the 84 people still unaccounted for and supporting survivors and affected families. Deck7 will continue to treat all casualty and rescue totals as provisional while the operation remains active.