Philippine ferry fire survivor recalls trampling chaos near Coron

The MV June Aster was less than three kilometres from its destination, the tourist town of Coron in Palawan province, when fire broke out on Wednesday evening. The blaze killed at least five people and left 86 passengers and crew unaccounted for, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

Coast guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said 43 people had been rescued, including two Chilean nationals. The vessel's manifest listed 134 people aboard: 117 passengers and 17 crew.

Roland Lerma, a 30-year-old construction worker from Leyte province, told the BBC from a hospital in Coron that he slipped and fell as passengers rushed to escape. "When I was on the floor, people were trampling me," he said. He crawled to his feet, jumped into the sea and floated on his back for about two hours before rescuers arrived.

"It was cold. If the rescue had been delayed, I would have definitely died last night," Lerma said.

“When I was on the floor, people were trampling me.”

: Roland Lerma, survivor, speaking to the BBC

The fire was first reported at 18:45 local time on Wednesday by a staff member of Atienza Shipping Lines, the vessel's owner, according to the coast guard. One survivor told authorities the flames began in the cargo hold after a loud explosion. The ferry was carrying several motorcycles, an electric car, a forklift and a pick-up van.

Cayabyab said thick smoke, extreme heat and the risk of explosions prevented rescuers from boarding the vessel, which was still smouldering on Thursday. Bad weather and strong currents had dragged the ferry several nautical miles from its initial location, complicating the search.

The coast guard deployed two 44-metre vessels and three smaller craft, while military rescue boats, local fishermen and private resort owners joined the operation. A military aircraft was on standby.

Anelyn Magbanua told the BBC that her husband Marlon was aboard the ferry, returning to Coron after visiting their children in Manila. She said she last heard from him while the vessel was passing through a village roughly two hours from the port. Officials have told her he remains unaccounted for.

"My two-year-old son and I are outside the hospital as we speak. We have nothing but ourselves," Magbanua said. "I can't describe what I am feeling right now. I have been crying and praying since last night."

Atienza Inter-Island Ferries said it was cooperating fully with authorities and expressed "profound sadness" about the fire. The company said it had mobilised all available resources and was committed to transparency as the investigation progressed.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. Cayabyab said it was too early to draw conclusions about possible sabotage or a terrorist attack. The coast guard will conduct a comprehensive investigation.