Philippine rescuers board ferry 40 hours after blaze began
Philippine rescue teams have finally boarded a burning ferry after 40 hours of delay caused by toxic fumes and high temperatures. The search for 84 missing passengers continues following the fire that broke out during the vessel's journey to Coron.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the severe safety challenges and logistical difficulties in maritime rescue operations in the Philippines.
Figure caption, Watch: Crews race to rescue passengers from burning ferry in Philippines
More than 40 hours after a deadly ferry fire began, Philippine rescuers have boarded the charred remains of the MV June Aster in search of dozens of missing people.
Five people been found dead, while 43 people have been rescued, many of whom are receiving treatment in hospital. Eighty-four people remain missing.
Photos shared by the Philippine Coast Guard on Friday morning showed smoke still curling from the ferry, which had been travelling from the capital Manila to the island of Coron - though the plumes appear to have died down in fresh photos from Friday afternoon.
Officials struggled to board the hull since operations began on Wednesday because of the toxic fumes and heat.
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