Rescuers pull more bodies from burned Philippine ferry as death toll hits 76

Rescuers in the Philippines have recovered more bodies from a ferry that caught fire, raising the death toll to 76 while 13 people remain missing. Among the 132 passengers on board, 43 managed to escape the blaze that broke out on Wednesday night. The ferry, traveling from Manila to Coron in Palawan province, was about 39 kilometers from its destination when the fire started.

The origin of the fire remains unknown, though a survivor reported hearing a blast and seeing smoke and flames rapidly spread, exacerbated by strong winds. Tents have been set up in Coron's Port to hold body bags, which have been airlifted from the damaged ferry. The coast guard is searching for the ship's captain, who reportedly survived but is not listed among the survivors.

Authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation, including a review of ferry safety procedures and the captain's actions. The investigation will also consider the liability of the captain and crew. Survivors recounted that the fire spread alarmingly fast, with no time to don life jackets. A tarpaulin that protected the ship's open areas from rain may have contributed to the disaster, but further analysis is needed to determine if passengers were trapped.

Maritime accidents in the Philippines are not uncommon due to factors such as stormy conditions, poorly maintained vessels, overcrowding, and insufficient enforcement of safety regulations, particularly in remote areas. The Dona Paz disaster of 1987, which resulted from a collision with a fuel tanker and claimed over 4,300 lives, serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with maritime travel in the region.