Ferry Fire Off Philippines Kills 35, 56 Still Missing
A ferry fire off Palawan, Philippines killed at least 35 people with 56 still missing; rescuers recovered 30 bodies from the MV June Aster, which caught fire during a 22-hour journey to Coron Island on Wednesday.
The Philippine Coast Guard has recovered 30 bodies from the charred wreckage of the MV June Aster ferry, which caught fire off Coron Island in Palawan province on Wednesday, September 9, bringing the death toll to at least 35. Rescuers saved 43 survivors on the day of the incident, many of whom required hospital treatment, while search and rescue operations continue for 56 missing persons. Officials stated that additional bodies remain on the vessel, which authorities only accessed on Friday, September 11, after toxic gases and residual heat from the fire had dissipated.
A Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson said most of the recovered bodies were found in the passenger sleeping quarters during the ferry's long 22-hour journey. "Authorities are currently conducting recovery operations and identifying the victims according to established procedures. We recognize the profound grief of the families affected by this tragic event," the spokesperson said.
Survivors initially reported that the fire started in the cargo hold, and investigators found that some passengers were not wearing life jackets. The Philippine maritime authority is conducting a full investigation into the cause. The MV June Aster, launched in 2003, held valid safety certification and passed a mandatory inspection in March 2025. However, officials are now examining several issues including discrepancies in passenger and cargo manifests, cargo loading procedures, and crew emergency protocols.
