CORON, Philippines: The death toll from a ferry fire in the Philippines has risen to 35 after rescuers recovered 30 more bodies from the wreckage, with more than 50 people still missing, the Philippine Coast Guard says.
The MV June Aster was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members when fire broke out on Wednesday as it approached Coron, a popular tourist destination in Palawan. The vessel had departed Manila on a journey that was expected to take about 22 hours.
Forty-three people have been rescued, many of whom were taken to hospital for treatment. Search and recovery operations are continuing for those still unaccounted for.
Watch: A drone captures the passenger vessel after a ferry caught fire off Palawan, Philippines, earlier today.
At least five people were killed and 87 remain missing, officials said, as rescue operations continue.#Philippines #Palawan #FerryFire #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/4I98Goh9m5
— Sajjad Tarakzai (@SajjadTarakzai) September 10, 2026
The coast guard was unable to board the vessel until Friday because of toxic fumes and intense heat. It said more bodies remained inside the ferry.
Bodies Recovered
Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said most of the recovered bodies were found in the vessel’s sleeping area.
“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.”
Preliminary interviews with survivors indicated that the fire may have started in the cargo hold, according to the coast guard. Officials also said some passengers were not wearing life jackets.
One survivor told the BBC that he heard frantic cries when the fire broke out and was trampled by other passengers as people tried to escape.
Investigation Underway
The Philippines’ maritime authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The ferry, built in 2002, held valid safety certificates and passed an enforcement inspection in March, according to the Palawan Daily.
Investigators are examining possible discrepancies in the passenger manifest, whether cargo was loaded safely and how the crew responded to the emergency.
Atienza Interisland Ferries, which operates the vessel, said it would fully cooperate with the investigation.
“Our hearts remain with the affected families, and we will not rest until all individuals are accounted for,” the company said.
The continuing search is expected to determine the final number of casualties as authorities work to identify the recovered remains and establish what caused the fire.
