World News

Philippine passenger ferry fire leaves at least five dead and dozens missing

Scores remain unaccounted for after a vessel carrying 134 people caught fire off the coast of Palawan.

Updated Sep 10, 2026 · 10:47 UTC6 reports

The short version

A fire broke out aboard a passenger ferry carrying 134 people off Palawan, killing at least five individuals.[The Guardian · BBC News · ABC News]
Coast guard officials reported that 42 or 43 people were rescued, while between 86 and 87 passengers and crew remain missing.[BBC News · ABC News · France 24 · Al Jazeera]
Search and rescue efforts have been hampered by bad weather and strong sea currents that caused the vessel to drift.[BBC News · ABC News]
The origin of the blaze remains under investigation, though a survivor stated it may have started in the cargo hold after a loud explosion.[BBC News · ABC News]

At least five fatalities were confirmed following a blaze aboard a passenger vessel off the western Philippines.[The Guardian · BBC News · ABC News]
The vessel's manifest recorded 134 people aboard, consisting of 117 passengers and 17 crew members.[The Guardian · ABC News]
Rescuers saved 42 or 43 people, according to varying statements from coast guard authorities.[ABC News · Al Jazeera]
Severe weather conditions and powerful currents pushed the drifting ship and impeded response operations.[BBC News · ABC News]
The official cause remains unknown, though a survivor reported that the fire erupted following a blast in the cargo area.[BBC News · ABC News]

The precise number of missing passengers remains unsettled, with officials citing counts of either 86 or 87.[BBC News · France 24]
Coast guard casualty and survivor totals remain live figures subject to revision as search operations proceed.[The Guardian · France 24]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.