Death toll from Philippines ferry fire climbs to 35, with dozens still missing

ByTabby Wilson and Tiffanie Turnbull.

Key points

• The vessel was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members.
• Forty-three individuals were rescued, with numerous receiving treatment in hospital, and searches continue for more than 50 individuals who remain unaccounted for.
• In a press conference, coast guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab remarked most bodies had been retrieved from the sleeping area of the boat.
• Atienza Interisland Ferries, the vessel's operator, has pledged full cooperation with the inquiry.
• "Agencies are currently undertaking the proper recovery and identification of the remains in accordance with established procedures, " Cayabyab remarked.

In practice, the Philippine Coast Guard notes it has recovered 30 bodies from the wreckage of a ferry that caught fire this week, bringing the total death toll to 35.

After departing from Manila, more than 130 individuals were on board the MV June Aster when the blaze erupted on Wednesday as it neared its destination at the tourist hotspot of Coron.

Notably, the country's coast guard notes more bodies remain on the boat. It they were unable to board until Friday due to toxic fumes and lingering heat.

In a press conference, coast guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab remarked most bodies had been retrieved from the sleeping area of the boat. It had been making a 22-hour journey.

"We recognise the grief of the families affected by this tragic incident."

Earlier, the coast guard remarked preliminary interviews with the survivors suggest that the fire kicked off in the cargo hold. Some passengers were not wearing life vests, they observed.

In practice, a survivor who was hauled to safety on a rescue boat informed the BBC he had heard frantic cries onboard when the fire erupted, and was trampled by panicked residents as he tried to escape. The Philippines' maritime authority is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

For context, the ferry, built in 2002, held valid safety certificates and passed an enforcement inspection in March, but investigators are looking into potential manifest discrepancies, cargo loading integrity, and crew emergency response protocols, the Palawan Daily documented. The vessel was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members.

"Our hearts remain with the affected families, and we will not rest until all individuals are accounted for, " the firm stated in an official note on Thursday.

Taken together, the developments around death toll from Philippines ferry fire climbs to 35, with dozens still point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.