By I. Inojales | 11:00 AM September 13, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — A crew member from Bohol remains missing following the fire that engulfed the passenger vessel MV June Aster off Coron, Palawan, according to information circulated by his family and community.
The missing crew member was identified as Gilbert “Indo” Salomon, an oiler from Cabilao Island in the municipality of Loon, Bohol.
Salomon was among the crew members of the MV June Aster, which caught fire while en route to Coron on Wednesday evening, Sept. 9.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the vessel was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members when the incident occurred. As of the latest PCG update on Friday, Sept. 11, 43 people had been rescued, five had died, and 84 remained unaccounted for. The missing figure was revised from 86 after two people listed on the vessel’s manifest reported that they had not boarded the ship.
The PCG continued its search-and-rescue operations in the waters off Coron, deploying additional assets, including the BRP Melchora Aquino. Thick smoke from the vessel and difficult sea conditions had hampered efforts to enter and search the ship.
As of Friday morning, the MV June Aster was still emitting smoke, with the PCG closely monitoring the vessel. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.
Initial accounts from survivors indicated that the fire may have started in the cargo hold and rapidly spread. One survivor reportedly heard an explosion before smoke and flames quickly engulfed the vessel.
The MV June Aster departed Baseco Port in Manila at about 8:13 p.m. on Sept. 8 and was scheduled to arrive in Coron on Wednesday evening. The PCG said the vessel had undergone a Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection in March 2026 and was found compliant at the time.
Authorities continue to validate the identities of those rescued, deceased and missing as search operations continue.
Families of the missing crew members and passengers have been urged to coordinate with authorities to help verify the vessel’s manifest and account for those still unaccounted for.
For Salomon’s family in Cabilao Island, the search continues for word on his whereabouts.
