The death toll from a fire aboard a passenger ferry in the Philippines has risen to 35, with 54 people still missing, authorities said Friday, September 11.
The MV June Aster caught fire Wednesday night while it was sailing from Manila to Coron in Palawan province, about 7.4 kilometres (4.5 miles) off the village of Turda. There were 43 survivors. Rescuers recovered 30 bodies from the burned wreck on Friday, raising the total from five.
Authorities confirmed that there were 134 people onboard, including 117 passengers and 17 crew. The 53-meter vessel had a capacity of 306 passengers and 27 crew. Two passengers listed on the manifest reported they failed to board.
There were two survivors, both tourists from Chile, who sustained injuries at the Coron hospital. It was difficult for rescuers to enter the boat on Thursday due to the heat and smoke. The Coast Guard photos revealed the scorched interior of the boat with charred bodies, ashes, and melted metal, as well as the presence of a car.
The origin of the fire remains unknown. The ship owner, Atienza Interisland Ferries, confirmed that it was helping the victims and their families while working with the Coast Guard. Ferries are commonly used in the Philippine islands, where many maritime accidents occur due to storms, ill-maintained boats, overcrowded boats, and safety violations.
