Fire on M/V June Aster off Palawan: 35 dead as dozens remain unaccounted for

A fire aboard the ferry M/V June Aster on Wednesday evening off Coron, Palawan, has resulted in 35 confirmed deaths and dozens unaccounted for, Philippine authorities said.

Coast Guard officials said 30 bodies were brought to a port near Coron on Saturday and would be handed to police forensic teams for identification and proper disposition; more remains are still being retrieved from the ship and an update on the total aboard was promised later.

The ferry’s manifest listed 134 passengers and crew, two of whom did not board. So far authorities have rescued 30 passengers and 13 crew members; 54 people remain unaccounted for.

Coast Guard spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab said the fire began in the cargo hold and spread rapidly after a loud explosion and the appearance of smoke. Survivors reported the blaze moved “in seconds” and that many had no time to put on lifejackets. The first transfer of remains to shore was limited to 30 bodies because of the transporting patrol vessel’s capacity, Cayabyab said.

Photographs released by the coast guard show rows of body bags being loaded on a small ship and personnel in hazmat suits. Police forensic investigators arrived at the port to conduct identification and other procedures.

The ferry was carrying goods including an electric vehicle, a pickup truck and motorcycles. Owner Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc said on Thursday it was fully cooperating with the investigation.

Philippine authorities said rescue and recovery operations and the ensuing probe into the cause of the fire are ongoing.