# Maritime accidents in the Philippines > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/maritime-accidents-in-the-philippines > Updated: 2026-09-09T17:50:49.000Z. Sources: 123. Developments: 2. A series of maritime accidents occurred in Philippine waters in early September 2026. On September 5 and 6, two separate incidents involving motorized vessels took place due to adverse weather. In Cagayan, a motorized banca sank during the southwest monsoon; all 18 passengers and crew were rescued, though authorities are investigating the loss of government property. In Antique, a motorboat capsized near Liwagao Island, resulting in one death and eight rescues. On September 9, a major fire broke out on the passenger ferry M/V June Aster, owned by Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., in the waters off Coron, Palawan. The vessel was traveling from Manila toward Coron when the blaze ignited approximately 2.2 kilometers northeast of Barangay Marcilla. The ferry was carrying 134 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members. As of September 10, the Philippine Coast Guard confirmed five fatalities and 42 rescues, while approximately 87 individuals remain missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, involving the Coast Guard, military vessels, the Philippine Army, Marines, and local government units. Rescuers have faced significant challenges due to intense heat, thick smoke, and strong ocean currents, which have prevented teams from boarding the vessel to conduct a thorough search. While the fire has been extinguished, the vessel remains afloat and is listing. The BRP Suluan has been deployed to assist in firefighting and rescue operations. Additionally, the Maritime Environmental Protection unit has deployed equipment to mitigate potential hazards, such as oil spills. While the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, authorities are investigating potential safety violations, including overcrowding or poor vessel maintenance. One survivor suggested the fire may have started in the cargo hold. ## Claims - At least five people have died following a fire on the passenger ferry M/V June Aster. (corroborated by 44 sources) - The vessel was carrying a total of 134 people, consisting of 117 passengers and 17 crew members. (corroborated by 44 sources) - Approximately 87 people remain missing as search and rescue operations continue. (corroborated by 42 sources) - At least 42 individuals have been successfully rescued from the vessel. (corroborated by 40 sources) - The ferry had departed from Manila and was en route to Coron, Palawan, when the fire occurred. (corroborated by 37 sources) - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed the incident. (corroborated by 34 sources) - The fire broke out approximately 1.2 to 2.2 kilometers northeast of Barangay Marcilla in Coron. (corroborated by 31 sources) - The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined by authorities. (corroborated by 30 sources) - A survivor reported that the fire began in the cargo hold with small amounts of smoke before rapidly growing. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The Maritime Environmental Protection unit has prepared equipment to mitigate potential oil spills. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: MV June Aster ferry fire kills five and leaves dozens missing near Palawan At least five people are dead and 87 remain missing after a fire broke out on the M/V June Aster ferry near Coron, Palawan. Search and rescue operations are ongoing despite difficult sea conditions. 122 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ferry-fire-in-palawan-philippines-leaves-at-least-five-dead ### 2026-09-07: Maritime accidents in the Philippines leave one dead and 26 rescued Two maritime accidents in the Philippines involving motorized boats resulted in one death and 26 rescues following rough seas and monsoon weather. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maritime-accidents-in-the-philippines-leave-one-dead-and-26-rescued --- Cite as: Maritime accidents in the Philippines. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/maritime-accidents-in-the-philippines