Philippine rescuers resume search for survivors of Palawan ferry fire

Manila — Philippine rescuers have restarted their search for survivors of a ferry fire off the western province of Palawan, with over 80 people still unaccounted for. The rescue efforts are hindered by thick smoke still emanating from the burned vessel Cayabyab, impeding responders from boarding the ship, according to a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard spokesperson clarified that the number of missing individuals has been adjusted to 84 from an initial count of 86, after authorities verified that two people listed on the manifest were not actually on board. As of now, 43 people have been rescued. Richard Marceliano, one of the survivors, recounted seeing a small amount of smoke that rapidly escalated into a devastating fire, engulfing the ferry in a matter of seconds.

He and other passengers spent nearly two hours adrift in the sea before being rescued. The Coast Guard has dispatched five vessels and divers to the scene, while army rescue boats, fishermen, and private resort owners have also joined the search, which began on Wednesday night. The Coast Guard spokesperson mentioned that a larger Coast Guard vessel is expected to join the operation soon.