77 Dead After Toxic Fumes Engulf Philippine Ferry June Aster
Philippine investigators confirm calcium hypochlorite cargo sparked deadly fire and toxic smoke off Palawan.
A deadly fire aboard the Philippine ferry June Aster last September may have claimed 77 lives due to toxic fumes from improperly stowed cargo, according to an investigation by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). The agency concluded that a chemical reaction between spilled calcium hypochlorite and asphalt likely suffocated passengers before they could escape.
The June Aster, operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries, departed after a four-day delay during which additional cargo was loaded. Among the new shipments were blocks of asphalt and drums of calcium hypochlorite, a highly reactive chemical used in water treatment. The BFP found that these materials were stored together near the engine room, exposing them to excessive heat.
How the Fire Unfolded: June Aster
On the evening of September 9, the ferry encountered rough seas in the Strait of Coron. The motion caused the calcium hypochlorite drums to break loose, spilling their contents onto the asphalt. The chemical, a known fire hazard, ignited upon contact with the organic material, releasing chlorine gas and oxygen, both deadly in confined spaces.
BFP Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Ang Kwan Tiu explained that the toxic smoke likely overwhelmed passengers before they could react. “Given that it was 6:30 PM and already dark, many were likely in their bunks. The fumes may have suffocated them before they even felt the heat,” he said.
Consequences for the Operator
The vessel’s operator, crew, and port personnel now face criminal charges for the improper stowage of hazardous materials. Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has suspended operations for six other Atienza ferries after inspections revealed multiple violations, including unpaid wages, lack of safety equipment, and inadequate safety protocols.
The affected vessels, Star San Carlos, September Tulips, December Poinsettia, October Lavender, May Lilies, and November Cattleya, remain docked in the Manila area. DoLE has ordered Atienza to continue paying crew salaries during the shutdown.
The incident underscores the dangers of mishandling calcium hypochlorite, which the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code warns can ignite spontaneously when mixed with organic materials like asphalt.
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