Philippine Ferry Fire Death Toll Rises to 76

The death toll from a ferry fire in the Philippines has reached 76 after emergency responders recovered 41 more bodies from the ship’s wreckage, the Philippine Coast Guard announced on Saturday.

More than 130 passengers and crew were aboard the MV June Aster when the vessel caught fire on Wednesday while approaching the tourist destination of Coron following its departure from Manila.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Coast guard officials confirmed that 43 people survived the incident, with many currently receiving treatment in hospital. Another 13 people remain missing as search operations continue.

Recovery efforts were delayed for days because toxic fumes and intense residual heat prevented search teams from boarding the burned vessel until Friday.

Investigation into the Cause

Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab reported that the blaze originated in the vessel’s cargo hold before spreading throughout the ship. Cayabyab stated that survivors described hearing a loud explosion followed by “the appearance of smoke and then fire. It spread very quickly”.

She added that those escaping the ferry did not have enough time to put on lifejackets. One survivor recalled frantic cries onboard and said he was trampled by fleeing passengers before rescue crews pulled him to safety.

Geronimo Tuvilla, a coast guard official, said the immediate priorities for authorities are identifying the victims and establishing what caused the fire.

Safety Records and Identification

Coron tourism official Kristine Ablana said authorities are assisting families with victim identification through personal items, photographs, and DNA testing.

Built in 2002, the MV June Aster held valid safety certificates and had passed an enforcement inspection in March. However, investigators are examining potential passenger manifest discrepancies, cargo loading integrity, and how the crew responded to the emergency, according to local media reports.

The ferry’s operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries, stated that it will cooperate fully with the investigation.

Background

Inter-island ferries serve as a primary mode of transportation across the Philippine archipelago, connecting major urban centers such as Manila to regional tourist destinations like Coron. Passenger vessels in the region routinely carry travelers alongside cargo on long-distance maritime routes.