Philippines Ferry Fire Death Toll Rises to 35 as Search Continues
The death toll from a passenger ferry fire in the Philippines has climbed to 35, while authorities continue searching for 54 people who remain missing following the deadly incident.
The MV June Aster caught fire on Wednesday night while travelling from Manila to Coron in Palawan province. The vessel was located around 7.4 kilometres (4.5 miles) from the village of Turda when the fire broke out.
More Bodies Recovered From Burned Ferry
Rescue teams recovered 30 additional bodies from the damaged vessel on Friday, September 11, according to authorities. The discovery increased the confirmed death toll from five to 35.
Officials said 134 people were recorded as being on board, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members. The 53-metre ferry had a maximum capacity of 306 passengers and 27 crew.
Two people listed on the passenger manifest later reported that they had not boarded the ferry.
Authorities said there have so far been 43 survivors. Two Chilean tourists who survived the incident were injured and received treatment at a hospital in Coron.
Rescue Operation Challenged by Heat and Smoke
Emergency teams faced difficult conditions while attempting to enter the ferry after the fire. Heavy smoke and extreme heat made access to parts of the vessel particularly challenging on Thursday.
Images released by the Philippine Coast Guard showed extensive damage inside the ferry, including burned areas, ash and severely damaged metal sections. A vehicle was also reportedly found inside the vessel.
Search and recovery operations are continuing as authorities work to locate those still unaccounted for.
Cause of Fire Still Under Investigation
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established.
The ferry’s operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries, said it was assisting affected passengers and their families while cooperating with the Philippine Coast Guard during the investigation.
Authorities are expected to examine the vessel and gather further evidence to determine how the fire started and whether any safety procedures were breached.
Ferry Safety Concerns in the Philippines
Ferries play an important role in connecting the many islands of the Philippines, where maritime transport is widely used by residents and tourists.
The country has experienced a number of serious maritime accidents over the years. Previous incidents have been linked to factors including severe weather, vessel maintenance problems, overcrowding and alleged violations of safety regulations.
The investigation into the MV June Aster fire is expected to provide more information about the circumstances surrounding the disaster as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
