Rescue teams in the Philippines are bracing for a further increase in casualties after a catastrophic fire on a passenger ferry killed at least 35 people. Coast guard authorities confirmed on Saturday that the number of deceased could rise as recovery operations continue in the waters near the popular tourist destination of Coron in Palawan.
The vessel, identified as the M/V June Aster, caught fire late Wednesday evening. According to initial reports, the blaze originated in the ship’s cargo hold and spread with alarming speed, engulfing the vessel in a matter of seconds before it ran aground.
By Saturday morning, the remains of 30 victims had been brought ashore to a port near Coron. Emergency workers were setting up tents to receive the bodies as identification and recovery efforts proceeded. The disaster has cast a shadow over the busy maritime route, drawing attention to safety protocols on regional ferries.
I visited Coron last year. It’s stunning there, but terrifying to think so many lives were lost nearby.
Thirty-five is heartbreaking. Hopefully stricter safety checks prevent this from happening again on Philippine waters.