Philippine Coast Guard recovers 30 bodies from ferry fire, death toll rises to 35
Quick Look
- The Philippine Coast Guard recovered 30 bodies from the MV June Aster ferry fire, raising the death toll to 35.
- Over 130 people were aboard when the fire broke out near Coron after departing Manila.
- Forty-three were rescued, more than 50 remain unaccounted for, and searches continue amid toxic fumes and heat delaying access to the wreckage.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The MV June Aster caught fire on Wednesday while en route from Manila to Coron, a tourist destination in the Philippines. The ferry had valid safety certificates and passed an inspection in March, but investigators are examining potential issues with cargo manifest, loading, and crew emergency response.
The Philippine Coast Guard says it has recovered 30 bodies from the wreckage of a ferry that caught fire this week, bringing the total death toll to 35.
More than 130 people were on board the MV June Aster when the blaze erupted on Wednesday as it neared its destination at the tourist hotspot of Coron, after departing from Manila.
Forty-three people were rescued, with many receiving treatment in hospital, and searches continue for more than 50 people who remain unaccounted for.
The country's coast guard says more bodies remain on the boat, which they were unable to board until Friday due to toxic fumes and lingering heat.
In a press conference, coast guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said most bodies had been retrieved from the sleeping area of the boat, which had been making a 22-hour journey.
"Agencies are currently undertaking the proper recovery and identification of the remains in accordance with established procedures," Cayabyab said.
"We recognise the grief of the families affected by this tragic incident."
Earlier, the coast guard said preliminary interviews with the survivors suggest that the fire started in the cargo hold. Some passengers were not wearing life vests, they noted.
A survivor who was hauled to safety on a rescue boat told the BBC he had heard frantic cries onboard when the fire erupted, and was trampled by panicked people as he tried to escape.
The Philippines' maritime authority is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The ferry, built in 2002, held valid safety certificates and passed an enforcement inspection in March, but investigators are looking into potential manifest discrepancies, cargo loading integrity, and crew emergency response protocols, the Palawan Daily reported.
The vessel was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members.
Atienza Interisland Ferries, the vessel's operator, has pledged full cooperation with the inquiry.
"Our hearts remain with the affected families, and we will not rest until all individuals are accounted for," the company said in a statement on Thursday.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Philippine maritime authority will complete its investigation into the ferry fire and release findings on cargo manifest discrepancies and crew emergency response.
Likely · Within weeks
Search and recovery operations will continue for the more than 50 people still unaccounted for, with additional bodies likely to be retrieved from the wreckage.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What exactly caused the fire to start in the cargo hold?
- Why were some passengers not wearing life vests during the emergency?
- Were there any discrepancies in the cargo manifest or loading procedures that contributed to the fire?
- How effective were the crew's emergency response protocols during the incident?
