Tragedy off the Philippines — rescuers search for 86 missing

A ferry caught fire off the coast of the Philippines, killing five people and leaving 86 missing. The rescue operation continues as the fire burned for over 12 hours. There were 117 passengers and 17 crew members on board, with 43 people rescued. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and adverse weather conditions are hampering rescue efforts.

A major tragedy occurred off the coast of the Philippines: a ferry traveling from Manila to the tourist city of Coron on Palawan Island caught fire about an hour before arrival. The fire lasted more than 12 hours. According to the coast guard, at least five people died, and 86 are reported missing. There were 117 passengers and 17 crew members on board. Rescuers managed to pull 43 people from the water, and they are receiving medical assistance. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and an investigation is underway. One survivor told the Associated Press that the fire may have started in the cargo hold. Difficult weather conditions — strong winds and high waves — are hampering rescue operations. A coast guard vessel, speedboats, a military ship, as well as private volunteers and fishermen, have joined the effort. Ferries are a common mode of transport in the Philippines, which consists of more than 7,000 islands, and maritime accidents are frequent in the country due to storms, poor maintenance, and safety violations.