Ferry fire near Palawan claims 76 lives — Anadolu Agency
The death toll from a fire aboard the passenger ferry MV June Aster near the western Philippine province of Palawan has risen to 76. Another 13 people are still unaccounted for.
Additional remains recovered from the vessel
As Anadolu Agency reports, the Philippine Coast Guard said that another 41 human remains bearing signs of burning had been recovered from the MV June Aster. Previously, the deaths of 35 people had been confirmed. The recovered remains are planned to be transported on Sunday aboard the BRP Cape Engano.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
According to the coast guard, 43 people survived. The MV June Aster ticket manifest listed 134 people, but two people on the list said they had not boarded the ferry. Authorities noted that the figures may change during operations to recover remains and identify them.
Route from Manila to Coron
The MV June Aster was heading from Manila to the city of Coron in Palawan province when a fire broke out on board on Wednesday evening. It was initially reported that there were 117 passengers and 17 crew members aboard. That same evening, the deaths of five people were confirmed, while 43 passengers and crew members were rescued. After the fire was extinguished and safety checks were carried out on the burned vessel, another 30 bodies were found.
