The death toll from a devastating ferry fire in the Philippines has risen to 76, after rescuers recovered 41 additional bodies from the charred vessel.
Another 13 people remain missing, while 43 survivors have been accounted for, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The disaster occurred aboard the MV June Aster near the popular tourist destination of Coron in Palawan province.
41 more bodies recovered from burned ferry
The latest increase in the death toll came after rescue teams were finally able to search more areas of the badly damaged ferry.
Authorities recovered 41 additional remains on Saturday, adding to the 35 deaths previously confirmed. Many of the bodies were severely burned, creating major challenges for investigators and forensic specialists trying to identify the victims.
Officials said forensic teams are collecting DNA samples and other evidence to establish the identities of those who died. Some victims may not be identified for weeks or even months because of the condition of the remains.
13 people are still missing
The MV June Aster was carrying more than 130 people when the fire broke out during its journey from Manila to Coron.
Forty-three people survived the disaster, leaving 13 still unaccounted for after the latest recovery operation. Search and recovery efforts remain focused on the vessel and surrounding waters.
The number of people missing has fallen sharply from the initial reports. Shortly after the blaze, authorities said more than 80 people were unaccounted for, but subsequent checks of the passenger manifest and the discovery of bodies have changed the figures.
Fire spread rapidly after explosions
The ferry was nearing Coron when the blaze erupted on Wednesday evening.
Survivors told investigators they heard explosions before the fire spread rapidly through the vessel. Some passengers were forced to jump into the sea as flames and smoke engulfed the ferry.
The vessel was eventually gutted by the fire, with firefighters initially struggling to board because of intense heat and thick smoke. When rescuers gained access, they found extensive destruction inside the ship, particularly in the economy accommodation area.
Cause of fire remains under investigation
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the disaster.
Investigators are examining several areas of the ship, including the engine room and lower decks, for clues. The reports of explosions from survivors are also being investigated.
The ferry’s owner, Atienza Inter-Island Ferries, has said it is cooperating with authorities and supporting affected families.
Families face agonising wait for identification
For families who lost relatives or are still waiting for news, the recovery operation has become an agonising process.
Temporary forensic facilities have been established in Coron as specialists work to identify the badly burned remains. Authorities have warned that the process could take considerable time because DNA analysis may be required.
The disaster is among the deadliest maritime accidents to hit the Philippines in recent years, a particularly significant tragedy in a country where ferry travel is essential for connecting its thousands of islands.
Search and investigation continue
Rescue teams are continuing to search for the remaining 13 missing people while investigators work to establish exactly how the fire began and why it spread so quickly.
The tragedy has also renewed scrutiny of maritime safety in the Philippines, where previous ferry disasters have raised concerns about vessel maintenance, emergency procedures and enforcement of safety regulations.
For now, the focus remains on recovering the missing, identifying the victims and providing answers to families still waiting for news.
Sources
- Reuters — Death toll in Philippine ferry fire rises to 76
- Reuters — Philippine ferry fire victims may take months to identify
- Associated Press — Rescuers pull more bodies from burned Philippine ferry as death toll hits 76
- Al Jazeera — Death toll from Philippine ferry fire rises to 76
- Anadolu Agency — Death toll from Philippines ferry fire rises to 76, 13 still missing
- Philippine News Agency — PCG: Missing in Palawan ferry fire down to 84
