By Sulyman Gobir
At least five people have been killed and more than 80 others remain missing after a passenger-and-cargo ferry caught fire off the western Philippine island of Palawan.
The Philippine Coast Guard, military and civilian vessels have launched an extensive search-and-rescue operation as the badly damaged ferry continued to smoulder hours after the fire broke out on Wednesday night.
Forty-three people, including two Chilean nationals, have so far been rescued from the vessel, which was travelling from Baseco in Manila to Coron, a popular tourist destination in Palawan.
Coast Guard spokesperson, Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, said rescuers had been unable to board the ferry because of extreme heat, heavy smoke and the risk of further explosions.
The Coast Guard has deployed two 44-metre vessels and three smaller boats for the operation.
Report says Army rescue boats, local fishermen and private resort owners have also joined the search, while a military aircraft has been placed on standby.
Drone footage released by the Coast Guard showed the blackened vessel surrounded by blue-green waters, with thick smoke still rising from the ferry.
Authorities said at least one survivor reported hearing a loud explosion from the cargo hold shortly before the fire rapidly spread across the vessel.
Cayabyab said the survivor described the blast as powerful, but authorities have yet to determine what caused the explosion or the subsequent fire.
Rescue teams remain on alert as efforts continue to locate those still missing and establish the full circumstances surrounding the deadly incident
