The Philippine Coast Guard reported that 35 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of the MV June Aster, a ferry that caught fire on Wednesday as it approached the tourist hotspot of Coron after departing Manila.
More than 130 people were on board – 117 passengers and 17 crew members – and 43 survivors have been rescued and taken for medical treatment, while searches continue for over 50 individuals who remain unaccounted for.
Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the retrieval of further remains was delayed until Friday because the boat was filled with toxic fumes and retained intense heat, making it unsafe for rescuers to board earlier.
Preliminary survivor interviews suggest the fire originated in the cargo hold, and some passengers were not wearing life vests. The vessel, built in 2002, held valid safety certificates and passed a March enforcement inspection, but investigators are examining possible discrepancies in the passenger manifest, the integrity of cargo loading, and crew emergency response procedures.
Atienza Interisland Ferries, the operator of the MV June Aster, has pledged full cooperation with the inquiry and expressed condolences, stating that its "hearts remain with the affected families" and that it will not rest until all individuals are accounted for.
Category: International
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