CORON, PALAWAN — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is investigating reports that a strong explosion was heard aboard MV June Aster shortly before fire rapidly spread through the passenger-cargo vessel off Coron, Palawan, on September 9. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said a survivor told investigators that a loud explosion appeared to come from the vessel’s cargo hold. Smoke and flames reportedly followed within seconds. The cargo area was carrying several vehicles, including motorcycles, an electric vehicle, a forklift and a pickup truck, along with other goods. Authorities have not confirmed whether any of the cargo caused or contributed to the fire.

The MV June Aster was nearing Coron after sailing from Manila when the fire was reported at around 6:45 p.m. The vessel’s manifest initially listed 117 passengers and 17 crew members. At least five people have been confirmed dead and 43 have been rescued. The latest accounting reported 84 people still missing after authorities learned that two passengers listed on the manifest had not boarded the vessel.

Search operations and the investigation into the incident are continuing. Investigators are expected to examine the cargo hold, electrical and machinery systems, fire-safety arrangements and accounts from survivors and crew to determine where the fire started and what caused the reported explosion. Until the investigation is completed, authorities have not identified an official cause of the incident.