Watch: Ferry erupts in flames off Philippines’ Palawan; 5 killed

The Philippine Coast Guard said 42 people had been rescued from the vessel.

A fire broke out aboard a passenger ferry near the popular tourist destination of Coron in the Philippines’ Palawan province on Wednesday evening, killing at least five people, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and local media.The vessel, M/V June Aster, caught fire in waters about 1.2 nautical miles northeast of Barangay Marcilla in the municipality of Coron, the PCG said. Coast guard teams responded to the incident and began rescue operations, reported AFP.Visuals from the scene showed the vessel engulfed in flames as rescue operations were under way. Thick smoke could be seen rising from the ship, with the fire lighting up the vessel as emergency teams worked to bring passengers ashore.The coast guard later said five casualties had initially been reported and brought ashore. Photos released by the agency showed several body bags.At least 42 people had been rescued, the PCG said. GMA News, citing a coast guard official, reported that the vessel was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members.The June Aster had departed from Manila, according to vessel-tracking data from MarineTraffic.