At least five people have died and more than 80 are missing following a devastating fire that engulfed a passenger ferry off the western coast of the Philippines.

The incident occurred on the MV Lady Mary Joy 3, a vessel that departed from Zamboanga City and was en route to Bongao in Tawi-Tawi province. The fire broke out late Wednesday night, prompting a swift emergency response.

Rescuers have managed to save dozens of passengers and crew members from the burning ship. However, the grim discovery of five fatalities has cast a shadow over the rescue efforts. The exact number of people on board is still being verified, but initial reports suggest a significant number of individuals remain unaccounted for.

Authorities are launching a full investigation into the cause of the fire. The Philippine Coast Guard and other maritime agencies are coordinating search and rescue operations, facing challenging conditions as they scour the waters for survivors. The fate of the missing passengers and crew remains a pressing concern.

Fires on passenger ferries are a recurring concern in the Philippines, an archipelago nation with a vast maritime network. Safety regulations and the condition of older vessels are often scrutinized following such tragedies.

Officials have stated that all available assets are being deployed to locate those still missing. The focus remains on saving lives while simultaneously gathering information to understand how the fire started and spread so rapidly.

Eyewitness accounts from survivors describe scenes of panic and chaos as the fire rapidly consumed the vessel. Many were forced to jump into the sea to escape the flames.

The Philippine Coast Guard has appealed for vigilance and cooperation from shipping operators to ensure all safety protocols are strictly adhered to, aiming to prevent future disasters of this magnitude.