The death toll from a ferry fire off the Philippines has reached 35, with officials warning the number is expected to increase. Bodies are being transported to a port near Coron, Palawan, as rescue efforts continue.
The ferry fire began in the cargo hold and spread rapidly through the vessel within seconds, according to coast guard officials. Bodies of passengers killed in the incident arrived at a port near Coron, Palawan, on Saturday morning. Tents were being set up to receive 30 bodies brought from the M/V June Aster, which ran aground near the tourist hotspot after the fire erupted on Wednesday evening.
Coast guard spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab stated that the remains would be handed over to police forensic investigators for identification before notifying families. Police investigators arrived at the port shortly after a press conference. Cayabyab confirmed that additional bodies remained aboard the ship, with the first transfer limited to 30 due to the capacity of the transport vessel. Thirty passengers and 13 crew have been rescued, while 54 people remain unaccounted for.
Why it matters
The speed of the fire’s spread limits immediate recovery operations and delays identification of victims.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether the coast guard will confirm additional fatalities as more bodies are processed at the port.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.