Palawan ferry fire death toll rises to 35; 53 still missing
A ferry fire off the coast of Palawan, Philippines, has resulted in 35 confirmed deaths, with 53 people still missing. Authorities are currently conducting recovery operations and investigating the cause of the explosion and subsequent blaze.
Why it matters
This is a significant maritime disaster requiring urgent search and rescue efforts and raising questions about maritime safety standards.
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 8:52 a.m.) - The death toll from the ferry fire off Coron, Palawan has risen to 35, with 43 survivors and 53 people still missing, the Philippine Coast Guard said Saturday.
The latest figures were provided during the PCG's September 12 press briefing, a day after authorities recovered 30 cadavers from the burned vessel.
The PCG earlier said the fire aboard the MV June Aster was declared out at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Friday, September 11.
Authorities then conducted a safety assessment of the vessel, during which burnt remains were observed in the economy accommodation area.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the retrieval and transfer of the cadavers began at around 5:16 p.m. on Friday using the BRP Cape Enga o (MRRV-4411).
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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5 dead, 86 missing as ferry catches fire off Palawan
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