Australia, France convey sympathy over deadly ferry fire off Coron, Palawan

France and Australia on Thursday conveyed sympathy to the Philippines after a deadly ferry fire off the coast of Palawan left five dead and scores missing.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. We express our solidarity with the Filipino people and our sincere condolences during this difficult time,” the French Embassy in Manila said in a statement.

Australian Ambassador to the Manila Marc Innes-Brown echoed the same message in a post on X and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.

"I extend my deepest condolences to those impacted by the tragic ferry incident in Palawan. We very much hope that those missing will be located," he said.

The ill-fated vessel MV June Aster was carrying 134 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members, when it caught fire off the coast of Coron, Palawan, on Wednesday evening.

The Philippine Coast Guard is currently searching for at least 86 individuals still missing as it confirmed that five died from the blaze.