First bodies of Philippines ferry fire victims land as toll hits 35
Summary
The bodies of passengers killed in a ferry fire off the Philippines have begun arriving in Coron, Palawan, as the death toll rises to 35 and 54 people remain missing. Authorities are still recovering remains and investigating how the fire on the M/V June Aster spread so quickly.
Key Points
- The first 30 bodies from the M/V June Aster arrived at a port near Coron, Palawan, after a ferry fire off the Philippines killed at least 35 people.
- Philippine coast guard officials said 30 passengers and 13 crew members have been rescued, while 54 people remain unaccounted for.
- Investigators say the fire began in the cargo hold and spread through the vessel within seconds, leaving many passengers unable to put on life jackets.
- The ferry operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc, said it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
