CORON, Philippines — The death toll from a ferry fire in the Philippines has risen to 76, with 13 people still missing after rescuers recovered dozens of additional bodies from the badly burned vessel near the tourist island of Coron in Palawan province.
The MV June Aster caught fire on Wednesday evening while carrying 132 passengers and crew on a more than 20-hour journey from Manila to Coron. The vessel was only a short distance from its destination when flames swept through the ship. Forty-three people were rescued, although many required medical treatment.
Philippine Coast Guard teams recovered 41 additional bodies on Saturday, adding to the 30 bodies found the previous day. The remains were taken to Coron, where forensic teams are working to identify the victims. Authorities said the identification process could take weeks or even months because many of the remains were badly burned.
Rescue workers initially struggled to enter the ferry because of thick smoke, extreme heat and toxic conditions. Once firefighters were able to board, they found extensive damage inside the vessel, including twisted steel bed frames and heavily burned areas in the economy accommodation section.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Investigators are examining survivor accounts that reported explosions shortly before the blaze spread rapidly through the vessel. One account indicated that the fire may have started in the cargo area, although authorities have not confirmed the origin.
The fire reportedly spread so quickly that some passengers had little time to retrieve life jackets before jumping into the water. Strong winds may also have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames, according to Philippine Coast Guard officials citing survivor accounts.
Authorities are continuing to search the vessel and surrounding waters for the 13 people who remain unaccounted for. Investigators are also examining the ferry’s lower decks and engine room for evidence that could help determine how the disaster began. The tragedy has left families waiting for confirmation of the fate of relatives who were aboard the ferry, while forensic specialists work to identify those who died.
The disaster is among the Philippines’ deadliest maritime accidents in recent years in a country where ferries remain an essential form of transport between its thousands of islands. Authorities have said the investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the fire and whether any safety failures contributed to the loss of life.
