In a Tina Nolasco's report on DZRH, PCG Spokesperson Commodore Noemi Cayabyab said 42 people, including 38 passengers and four crew members, had been rescued and temporarily brought to the Barangay Turda basketball court as of 7 a.m. Thursday.

The MV June Aster caught fire at around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday in waters off Barangay Marcilla, Coron. Firefighting operations remained underway as of Thursday morning, while the Coast Guard District Palawan and other responding units continued search and rescue operations for those still unaccounted for.

The vessel was carrying 134 people, composed of 117 passengers and 17 crew members, and had departed from Baseco Port in Manila.

The rescued individuals were set to be turned over to the Coron Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) for assistance and coordination with their families.

The identities of the five fatalities had yet to be determined as of Thursday morning.

Authorities were still investigating the cause of the fire, including whether the vessel’s age may have been a factor.

Cayabyab said passenger vessels undergo regular inspection and maintenance by the PCG.