Ferry June Aster fire death toll rises to 77 after survivor dies

MANILA, Philippines - A crew member who initially survived the fire that swept through a passenger ferry in Coron, Palawan, died Tuesday afternoon, September 15, bringing the death toll to 77.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on Wednesday, September 16, that the crew member was declared dead by the Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital at around 11:34 a.m., where he was receiving treatment.

Earlier, authorities said the total number of survivors went up to 44 after the captain of the MV June Aster appeared before the PCG days after the incident.

However, with the crew member's death, the number of survivors went back to 43, while 12 people remain missing.

A total of 132 passengers were aboard the vessel when the fire broke out on September 9. Two people who were initially included in the ticket manifest had missed the trip.