The death toll from the ferry fire in the Philippines has risen to 35 after officials recovered 30 more bodies from the wreckage, while over 50 people remain missing and search efforts continue.
The Philippine Coast Guard revealed that authorities were able to recover 30 additional bodies from the MV June Aster wreckage, bringing the total fatalities from the fire to 35.
The ferry caught fire last Wednesday while nearing its destination at Coron, a popular tourist spot in Palawan province, after departing from Manila.
At the time of the incident, there were 134 people on board, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Forty-three people have been rescued, many of whom were hospitalized for treatment, while over 50 remain missing.
Officials stated that several bodies remain inside the wreckage. Previously, they could not board the ferry due to toxic smoke and high heat, but by Friday they were able to enter for recovery operations.
A spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard said most of the bodies were found in the cabins or sleeping areas of the ferry, which had been underway for as long as 22 hours.
Authorities are conducting recovery and identification procedures according to protocol and expressed condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.
Based on initial interviews with survivors, officials believe the fire may have started in the cargo hold, and noted that some passengers were not wearing life jackets when the fire broke out.
One survivor recounted hearing panicked cries as people tried to escape, and described being injured after being trampled by frantic passengers before being rescued by a rescue vessel.
Philippine maritime authorities are investigating the cause and details of the incident, reviewing passenger manifests, cargo loading accuracy, and crew emergency response procedures.
The MV June Aster was built in 2002 and holds a valid safety certificate, having passed inspections as recently as March.
Atienza Interisland Ferries, the vessel’s operator, confirmed full cooperation with the investigation and stated they will continue searching for the missing until all are accounted for.
/Source:/BBC
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