CORON — The death toll from a ferry fire in the Philippines rose to 76 after rescuers recovered 41 more bodies from the wreckage. The Philippine Coast Guard reported Saturday that 13 people remain unaccounted for following the blaze aboard the MV June Aster.
The vessel carried 117 passengers and 17 crew members. The fire erupted Wednesday as the ferry approached Coron, a tourist destination in Palawan province, after departing from Manila.
Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the fire originated in a cargo hold before spreading throughout the ship. Survivors described hearing a loud explosion, followed by smoke and fire that spread rapidly. Those who managed to escape did not have time to don lifejackets, Cayabyab said. A survivor recounted being trampled by panicked people while trying to flee.
Recovery operations were initially hindered by toxic fumes and lingering heat inside the vessel. Authorities could not board the MV June Aster until Friday, two days after the fire began.
Geronimo Tuvilla, a Philippine Coast Guard official, said identifying victims and determining the exact cause of the blaze are current priorities.
Kristine Ablana, a tourism official in Coron, said relatives are being asked to assist in identifying family members through personal items and DNA testing. "Once someone is able to verify that this photo or these belongings are indeed those of their relative, they will be asked to provide a DNA sample," Ablana said.
The MV June Aster, built in 2002, held valid safety certificates and passed an enforcement inspection in March. Investigators are examining potential manifest discrepancies, cargo loading integrity and crew emergency response protocols.
Atienza Interisland Ferries, the operator, said it is cooperating fully with the inquiry.
