Philippines Ferry Fire Death Toll Rises to 35

Bodies Arrive at Coron Port as Search Continues

Tents were set up at a port near Coron to receive 30 bodies brought ashore by the ferry M/V June Aster, according to coast guard reports. The remains were recovered from the economy accommodation area of the burned ship. Coast guard spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab stated in a press conference that the remains would be handed over to police forensic investigators for proper identification and disposition before local authorities notify family members.

Police investigators arrived at the port shortly after the briefing concluded. Authorities indicated that additional cadavers remained aboard the ferry, with further updates expected later in the day. Cayabyab explained on Friday evening that the initial transfer was capped at 30 bodies due to the capacity limits of the transporting patrol vessel.

Timeline and Cause of the Ferry Fire

The fire erupted on Wednesday evening, tearing through the vessel within seconds. According to survivors’ accounts cited by coast guard spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab, the blaze originated in the cargo hold before spreading rapidly through the ship. Passengers reported hearing a loud explosion, followed immediately by smoke and fire, leaving many without enough time to put on lifejackets.

Rescuers struggled on Thursday to enter the charred vessel because of intense heat and smoke. Images released by the coast guard showed a gutted interior, ash, burnt metal, and a charred car inside the cargo area. The ferry was roughly 4.5 miles off the village of Turda when the fire broke out, traveling from Manila toward its destination in Coron.

Passenger Manifest and Ongoing Rescue Operations

The ferry’s official manifest listed 134 people on board, comprising 117 passengers and 17 crew members, though the coast guard later confirmed two listed passengers failed to board. The 174-foot vessel had a capacity to carry 306 passengers and 27 crew. A staffer of the company that owns the M/V June Aster, Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., said two Chilean tourists were among the survivors recovering in a Coron hospital.

Families searching for missing relatives have turned to social media and local rescue centers. Myra Cabilan spoke with reporters after flying to Coron to search for her missing 40-year-old brother, Rammel Gonzaga. Meanwhile, Lira Daco waited at a rescue center in Turda for news regarding her missing 20-year-old daughter, Cyriel, telling reporters of the pain of not knowing the fate of her child.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the ferry fire?

According to coast guard spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab, survivors reported that the fire originated in the cargo hold before spreading rapidly through the vessel.

How many people were rescued from the M/V June Aster?

The coast guard confirmed that 43 people—including 30 passengers and 13 crew members—survived the incident and were rescued.

Where is the investigation taking place?

Recovered bodies have been transferred to a port near Coron, Palawan, where police forensic investigators are handling identification and disposition.