Ferry Fire in the Philippines: Death Toll Rises to 76
The death toll from the fire aboard the “MV June Aster” ferry traveling from Manila to Coron has risen to 76, while search operations continue for missing passengers.
The death toll continues to rise following the fire that broke out at night aboard the ferry “MV June Aster,” which departed from Manila, the capital of the Philippines, on Wednesday with 117 passengers and 17 crew members on board, as it was approaching the tourist destination of Coron in Palawan province. In a statement issued by the Philippine Coast Guard, it was reported that the death toll had risen to 76 after teams recovered the bodies of 41 more people.
During the fire, 43 people, including 30 passengers and 13 crew members, were rescued, while it had previously been announced that 5 people had lost their lives. Coast Guard officials were only able to enter the vessel on Friday due to toxic gases and the high temperatures that had persisted for a long time. In a statement made in the morning, it was reported that the bodies of 30 people had been recovered from the vessel.
Search operations continue for the other people who remain missing. The cause of the fire is not yet known.
