Ferry fire in the Philippines leaves dozens dead and missing

The bodies of 30 victims of a fire on a ferry in the Philippines arrived this Saturday (12) at the port of Borac, in the province of Palawan, for identification. The victims were found charred inside the vessel.

The fire on the MV June Aster, which occurred on Wednesday night (9), left at least 35 dead and more than 50 missing. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, 43 people survived.

The bodies were taken from the ferry to the port by another vessel and handed over to the Provincial Forensic Unit. Tents were set up at the site to receive the victims and assist the authorities in their work.

The search continues because there are still bodies inside the MV June Aster, according to the Coast Guard. Authorities did not say how many.

The ferry had departed from Manila and was near the village of Turda, about 39 kilometers from Coron, its destination, when the fire broke out.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. One of the survivors reported hearing an explosion and stated that the fire may have started in the cargo hold. According to authorities, the flames and smoke spread quickly, driven by the wind.

Survivors also reported that everything happened in a few minutes, with no time to grab life jackets.

Arnulfo Nokki Villanueva, one of the rescued passengers, told a local media outlet that he tried to look for a vest, but was unable to do so because of the panic inside the vessel.

The Coast Guard is also investigating whether a tarp placed to protect open areas from rain may have made it difficult for passengers to exit.

Investigators must verify that emergency procedures were followed, including the activation of the alarm, the instructions given to passengers and the assistance provided by the crew.

The Coast Guard is also looking for the ferry captain. According to reports received by authorities, he survived, but his name does not appear on the official list of survivors.

Maritime and criminal investigations will analyze the circumstances of the fire and the possible responsibility of the captain and other crew members.

Images released by the Coast Guard show the interior of the vessel destroyed by fire, with metal structures and charred vehicles.

Relatives of the missing await the identification of the bodies. Lira Daco, whose 20-year-old daughter is missing, said she was distressed by the possibility that the young woman was among the victims found inside the ship.

The ferry manifest initially registered 134 people, 117 passengers and 17 crew. Two listed passengers later reported that they had not boarded. Thus, 132 people were actually on board, according to the Coast Guard.

The 53-meter vessel had the capacity to carry 306 passengers and 27 crew.

Two Chilean tourists are among the survivors. They have already left Coron, and Philippine authorities are in contact with the Chilean embassy.

Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., owner of the ferry, said it provides assistance to passengers and families and cooperates with authorities in the search for the missing and the investigation into the cause of the fire.