Death toll from Philippines ferry fire rises to 35 as officials warn of further losses
The death toll from the M/V June Aster ferry fire in the Philippines has increased to 35, with coast guard officials warning that the number may rise. While 43 people have been rescued, 54 remain unaccounted for after the blaze tore through the vessel near Coron, Palawan.
The death toll from a devastating fire on the M/V June Aster ferry in the Philippines has risen to 35, according to recent reports. Coast guard officials have warned that this figure is expected to grow as recovery efforts continue.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening near Coron, Palawan, when the fire erupted and spread rapidly through the vessel's economy accommodation area. According to survivors, the blaze began in the cargo hold following a loud explosion and tore through the ship "in seconds," leaving many without time to put on lifejackets before escaping.
On Saturday morning, bodies of passengers killed in the fire arrived at a port near Coron, where tents were set up to receive them. Thirty bodies were transferred from the M/V June Aster for identification by police forensic investigators. Coast guard spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab confirmed that additional cadavers remained on the ferry after this initial transfer. Five other individuals had been confirmed dead in the immediate wake of the fire.
As of now, 30 passengers and 13 crew members have been rescued, bringing the total number of survivors to 43. However, 54 people remain unaccounted for. The ferry’s manifest listed 134 crew and passengers, but two of those listed did not board the vessel. The ship was also carrying goods, including an electric vehicle, a pickup truck, and motorcycles.
Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc, the owner of the M/V June Aster, stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation into the disaster. Families of the missing are relying heavily on social media for information regarding their loved ones' status.