Families visit fire-ravaged MV June Aster weeks after tragedy

CORON, Palawan – Weeks after flames engulfed the MV June Aster, leaving dozens dead and several others still missing, grieving families finally came face-to-face with the stricken vessel on Friday, reaching the site to pray, remember their loved ones and begin the painful process of healing.

For the first time since the September 9 tragedy, relatives of the missing victims were able to see the vessel up close as it lay grounded nearly 7 nautical miles off Barangay Turda.

Accompanied by Philippine Coast Guard personnel, the families and some Coron residents traveled by boat to the wreck site, where they offered prayers for those who died and those who remain missing and unidentified.

Led by Fr. John Paul Bangsi, the families laid flowers and released white balloons into the sky in an emotional farewell to their loved ones.

For many of them, the visit was both heartbreaking and symbolic — a painful step toward healing as they continue to wait for answers about those who have yet to be identified or found.

Eight people remain missing, while 77 have been confirmed dead and 43 survived the maritime disaster.

Authorities are still awaiting DNA test results to identify recovered charred remains that were temporarily buried at San Nicolas Public Cemetery in Coron.