Dozens of people are missing and at least five were killed after a ferry went up in flames in the Philippines.

The blaze swept on board the MV June Aster ferry off the island’s coast yesterday evening.

It was heading to Coron in the Palawan province, a popular tourist destination famed for its crystal waters and cliffs.

Coast guard pulled 43 people out of the sea after the vessel burst into flames, while 87 people are unaccounted for.

The ferry, which took off from the capital Manila, was carrying 134 people when the alarm was raised at about 6.45pm local time.

Footage shows the ferry fully ablaze and still at least partially floating as rescuers scoured the sea at nightfall.

Two Chilean nationals were pulled out of the water, according to BBC News.

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed yet, but the coast guard said it may have started in the cargo hold before quickly spreading, citing survivor accounts.

Coast Guard spokeswoman Commodore Noemi Cayabyab told local broadcasters: ‘We have tried to get stories from the survivors but there are still in shock.

‘Some passengers were not wearing life vests.’

Metro has contacted the UK Foreign Office for a comment.

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