At least 76 confirmed dead in Philippines ferry fire

A ferry fire in the Philippines has resulted in at least 76 confirmed deaths, with 13 people still unaccounted for, according to authorities. The tragedy occurred on Wednesday evening near the island of Coron in Palawan. Forensic teams are working to identify the victims, a process that began after 30 bodies were recovered on Friday.

The vessel, the June Aster, had departed from Manila and was en route to Coron when it caught fire. Initially, 134 people were on board, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Rescue efforts began after firefighters entered the burning ship on Friday, after the initial blaze had been extinguished. The fire caused extensive damage, with burnt remains found in the economy accommodation section of the ferry.

Images show twisted bed frames and ash-covered debris. Family members anxiously await news of their loved ones, with some, like Anelyn Magbanua, expressing deep concern over the fate of their husbands and fathers. The immediate focus is on identifying victims and determining the cause of the fire. The Maritime Industry Authority reported two explosions heard inside the vessel before the fire broke out.

One survivor recounted seeing smoke quickly turn into a devastating fire, rapidly engulfing the ferry. The captain's whereabouts remain unknown, with only 43 confirmed survivors identified so far. This fire adds to a series of deadly maritime accidents in the Philippines, a nation comprised of over 7,600 islands where ferries and small boats are crucial for transportation.