At least five people have died and 86 others are missing after a fire broke out on a ferry in the Philippines.

The country's Coast Guard said the vessel, MV June Aster, was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members when the fire erupted as it approached Coron, a popular tourist destination.

The blaze reportedly started at about 6:45 p.m. local time and was still burning as of 11 a.m. today.

The Coast Guard said strong currents and thick smoke were making rescue and firefighting operations difficult. Videos released by the agency showed the ferry engulfed in flames, with several people being pulled from the water into rescue boats.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. However, preliminary interviews with survivors suggest the blaze may have started in the cargo hold, where goods and containers are stored.

The Coast Guard also said some passengers were not wearing life jackets when the incident occurred.