Death toll in Philippines ferry fire rises to 76

(Central News Agency reporter Lin Xingjian, Manila, 12th) After a fire broke out in the Philippine ferry, the Coast Guard (PCG) continued to search and rescue the ship. The latest casualty figures released tonight stated that the death toll has increased to 76, and 13 people are still missing.

The ferry "MV June Aster" departed from Manila on the evening of the 8th and was bound for Coron Island in Palawan Province. It caught fire and ran aground as it approached its destination on the 9th. Five people were confirmed dead that day.

It was not until the fire was completely extinguished at 10:15 a.m. on the 11th that rescuers were able to enter the hull for inspection. The number of victims found also skyrocketed.

After announcing this morning that 30 bodies were found in the economy class cabin, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab announced the latest search and rescue progress in the evening, saying that rescue and aftermath personnel found 41 more charred bodies today.

Kayaya said that the 41 victims recovered today, together with the 35 previously confirmed dead, brought the total number of fatalities to 76; the number of survivors remained at 43.

In addition, a rescued passenger asked search and rescue personnel to save a golden retriever he had brought on board. Search and rescue personnel reported today that the dog's body had been recovered.

According to the crew roster, a total of 134 people were registered to board the June Aster at the time of the incident, but 2 people did not actually board the ship, which means that 13 people are still missing. However, Kayaya added that as the actual number of people on board the boat and identification work continues to advance, it is not ruled out that the number of missing people may still change.

Kayaya quoted multiple survivors in the morning as saying that a strong explosion was heard from the cargo hold before the fire broke out, followed by thick smoke and the fire spread rapidly.

Since the ship was reported to be carrying an electric vehicle, a truck and multiple motorcycles, investigators currently do not rule out the possibility of the electric vehicle catching fire or even a terrorist attack.

Relevant units in the Philippines have simultaneously launched investigations into maritime safety and maritime crimes to clarify the cause of the accident and possible responsibilities.