A ferry journey turned into a nightmare for passengers heading to the Philippine province of Palawan when a fire erupted onboard on Wednesday night. Roland Lerma, one of the survivors, vividly recalls the chaos that ensued as the MV June Aster became engulfed in flames. The fire claimed the lives of five individuals, and another 86 remain missing, making it potentially one of the most tragic maritime incidents in the country’s recent history.
Survivor’s Experience Amidst the Chaos
Lerma, speaking from a hospital in Coron, described the terrifying moments as he and others tried to escape the burning vessel. “When the fire spread, I fell and people started trampling over me,” he recounted. Despite the chaos, he managed to regain his footing and leaped into the sea. “I saw children jumping into the water too, but in the darkness, I couldn’t see their faces,” he added.
To stay afloat, Lerma discarded his belongings, including his clothes and phone. He floated for nearly two hours in the cold water before rescuers arrived. “If they had been any later, I might not have survived,” said Lerma, who is originally from Leyte and works in construction.
Details of the Incident
The MV June Aster had left Manila’s Port of Baseco on Tuesday night, bound for Coron with over 100 passengers. The fire broke out just 1.2 nautical miles from the coast of Coron, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The blaze reportedly began in the cargo hold following a loud explosion.
The ferry was carrying various goods, including motorcycles and an electric car. Passengers had settled into bunk beds for the long journey, including a Chilean couple who were among the 43 rescued. Lerma and two of his neighbors are currently receiving medical treatment, while two others from his group remain missing.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts and Families in Distress
Rescue operations are still underway, although the fire has not been fully extinguished. Many survivors are in a state of shock, according to a Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson. Meanwhile, families of those missing are enduring a painful wait for news.
Anelyn Magbanua, whose husband Marlon was on the ferry, shared her distress with the BBC. Marlon had been returning to Coron after visiting their children in Manila. “My son and I are waiting outside the hospital, hoping for news,” she said tearfully. “I can’t express what I’m going through right now.”
