AT LEAST FIVE PEOPLE KILLED IN FERRY FIRE

MANILA, SEPTEMBER 10 /SRNA/ – A fire broke out overnight aboard the passenger ferry Jun Aster near the western coast of the Philippines, killing at least five people, while dozens are reported missing.

"So far, 43 people have been rescued. We are continuing search and rescue operations," Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Noemi Cayabyab said, adding that a military vessel and other government vessels, as well as volunteers and fishermen, had joined Coast Guard ships and fast-response boats in the operation.

The ferry remained afloat but listed after the fire that broke out last night was extinguished.

Thick smoke is still rising from the charred ferry, making it difficult for rescuers to access the vessel, AP reported.

The ferry departed from the capital Manila and was near its destination of Coron in Palawan Province when the fire broke out.