Death Toll Rises to 76 as Philippine Ferry Fire Claims Lives

The Philippine Coast Guard says it has recovered 41 bodies from the wreckage of a ferry that caught fire this week, bringing the total death toll to 76.

The MV June Aster was carrying more than 130 people when the blaze erupted on Wednesday as it neared its destination at the tourist hotspot of Coron, after departing from Manila.

Survivors—43 in total—were transported to hospitals, while 13 people remain unaccounted for.

Recovery was delayed because toxic fumes and lingering heat made boarding the vessel impossible until Friday.

Geronimo Tuvilla, a Philippine Coast Guard official, said the priority is identifying victims and determining the cause of the blaze.

Kristine Ablana, a tourism official in Coron, urged relatives to help identify family members through personal items and DNA testing.

The blaze began in a cargo hold before spreading rapidly, according to Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab. Survivors described a loud explosion followed by smoke and fire that spread quickly, leaving little time to don lifejackets.

A survivor, rescued in a boat, recalled frantic cries and panicked crowds trampling him as he tried to escape.

The vessel, built in 2002, held valid safety certificates and passed an enforcement inspection in March. Investigators are now looking into possible manifest discrepancies, cargo loading integrity, and crew emergency response protocols, the Palawan Daily reported.

The ferry carried 117 passengers and 17 crew members. The operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries, has pledged full cooperation with the inquiry.

Aerial view of the burnt ferry, as seen by the Philippine Coast Guard

Additional context and survivor stories are available at the associated links below.