The Philippine Coast Guard announced that the wreckage of the MV June Aster has yielded 30 bodies, bringing the death toll from the recent ferry blaze to 35. The vessel was ferrying more than 130 passengers when a fire erupted on Wednesday as it approached the tourist hotspot of Coron, after departing from Manila earlier that day.
Says the coast guard, 43 people were rescued, most of whom are now receiving medical treatment, and the search continues for more than 50 individuals who remain unaccounted for. Officers noted that difficult conditions—toxic fumes and lingering heat—prevented full evacuation of the ferry until Friday.
A spokesperson, Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, said the majority of recovered bodies were taken from the ship’s sleeping area, which had been on a 22‑hour journey. She added that agencies are following proper procedures for the recovery and identification of remains and acknowledged the grief of affected families.
Preliminary survivor interviews hint that the blaze began in the cargo hold; some passengers were reportedly not wearing life vests. One survivor shared that he heard frantic cries before being trampled by panicked passengers as he attempted to escape.
The Philippine maritime authority is investigating the incident, examining possible manifest discrepancies, cargo loading integrity and crew emergency response protocols. The ferry, built in 2002, held valid safety certificates and passed an enforcement inspection in March.
The vessel was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Operator Atienza Interisland Ferries has pledged full cooperation with the inquiry and reiterated its commitment to locating all missing persons. The tragedy underscores the ongoing need for stringent safety oversight in maritime transport.
