Philippines Ferry Fire Toll Hits 35 as First Bodies Arrive Ashore
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Coron: The first bodies of passengers killed in a ferry fire off the Philippines landed at a port near the vacation town of Coron in Palawan on Saturday, bringing the total death toll to 35. Authorities warned that the figure may rise as recovery efforts continue.
The bodies of 30 people were brought ashore from the M/V June Aster, which caught fire on Wednesday evening and then ran aground near Coron. According to Coast Guard officials, the remains were discovered in the ship's economy accommodation area and will be turned over to police forensic examiners for identification.
So far, 30 passengers and 13 crew members have been rescued, but 54 people remain missing. According to the passenger list, the ferry carried 134 passengers and crew, although two of the stated passengers did not board.
Survivors reported that the fire spread in seconds after an explosion and smoke were observed. According to Coast Guard staff, passengers had limited time to react, with some unable to even put on their life jackets before departing the vessel. An inquiry into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
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