Rescuers have recovered 76 bodies from the MV June Aster, the Philippine passenger ferry devastated by fire near Palawan, while the search for people still unaccounted for continues. The Associated Press reported on Saturday, 12 September, that 13 people were missing and 43 had survived among 132 people aboard. In a Sunday report, AP described at least 10 people as still missing; the figures remain subject to the authorities’ identification work.
The ferry was travelling from Manila to Coron when the fire broke out on Wednesday evening, 9 September. It was about 39 kilometres from Coron, in southwestern Palawan province, according to AP. The vessel was left badly burned, and heat and smoke initially prevented search teams from entering parts of it. Once they gained access, the confirmed death toll rose sharply.
Authorities have not established the cause. A Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson said a survivor described hearing a blast and believed the fire may have begun in the cargo hold, but investigators have not confirmed that account. Officials are examining how quickly the blaze spread and whether the crew followed emergency procedures, including warning passengers and helping them evacuate.
The coast guard has also been trying to locate the vessel’s captain, whom officials said reportedly survived but was not listed among the identified survivors. Families have been waiting in Coron as recovered remains are brought ashore and identification proceeds. Sky News separately reported the rise in the death toll.
The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of ferry safety in an archipelago where sea travel is an essential link between islands. For now, the cause of the fire and any responsibility for the disaster remain matters for the maritime and criminal investigations.
Featured image: Philippine Coast Guard via The Associated Press.