Death toll from Philippines ferry fire climbs to 35, with dozens still missing

What the report says

The death toll from the ferry fire in the central Philippines has risen to 35 after rescuers recovered 30 bodies from the burned vessel, the BBC reported, citing the Philippine Coast Guard. Search efforts are continuing for more than 50 people who are still missing after the blaze aboard the MV June Aster, which was carrying more than 130 people when it caught fire on Wednesday near Coron, a tourist destination in Palawan province, after leaving Manila.

According to the coast guard, recovery on the damaged boat was delayed until Friday because of toxic fumes and lingering heat. Officials said many of the bodies found were in the sleeping area. Forty-three passengers and crew were rescued, and some were taken to hospital for treatment. The vessel had been on a journey of about 22 hours when the fire broke out.

Preliminary survivor accounts indicated the fire may have started in the cargo hold, while investigators are also examining safety and emergency response procedures. The BBC noted that authorities have not yet determined the cause. The ship’s operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries, said it would cooperate with the inquiry and expressed sympathy for affected families.

The incident has drawn attention because ferry travel is a major link between Philippine islands, making safety standards, loading practices and emergency readiness especially important.