Deadly Philippines ferry fire leaves scores of people missing

Forty-three people rescued and early death toll stands at five after blaze aboard MV June Aster in waters off Coron, Palawan, says coast guard

Five people were confirmed dead in early counting and more than 80 were missing after a ferry caught fire off Palawan island in the western Philippines on Wednesday night, the Philippine coast guard said.

Forty-three people were rescued from the MV June Aster in waters off Coron, Palawan, the coast guard said. Footage showed flames engulfing parts of the vessel and responders placing victims in body bags.