'People were trampling me': Philippine ferry fire survivor recalls narrow escape

What the report says

A ferry fire off Coron in the Philippines has left passengers dead, missing and badly shaken, according to BBC World News. The MV June Aster was travelling from Manila to Palawan province when flames broke out late on Wednesday near Marcilla village, about 2.2 km off Coron's coast. The Philippine Coast Guard said the vessel was carrying more than 100 people, along with cargo including motorcycles, a forklift and a pick-up van.

One survivor, Roland Lerma, told the BBC from a hospital in Coron that the scene quickly became chaotic as people tried to escape the burning boat. He said he fell on the deck, was stepped on, then crawled to safety before jumping into the sea and floating for about two hours until rescuers arrived. Lerma, who had been travelling with neighbours from Leyte to work in Coron, said he suffered bruises and chest pain but was expected to recover.

Authorities said five people had died and 86 were missing, while 43 survivors had been rescued. The Coast Guard said the fire was first reported by a company employee and that one account suggested it began in the cargo hold after an explosion. Atienza Shipping Lines said it was cooperating with investigators. Rescue work was continuing, and the burning vessel had not yet been fully extinguished.

The disaster has heightened anxiety among relatives waiting for news. One woman told the BBC she feared for her husband, who had been on the ferry returning from Manila. In general, maritime accidents are a persistent safety concern in the Philippines, an archipelago that relies heavily on sea transport.