Death Toll in Philippine Ferry Fire Rises to 35
· World · The Hindu, The Guardian
The death toll from a fire on the MV June Aster ferry off the coast of Coron, Palawan province, has risen to 35 as rescue teams recover more bodies. The blaze broke out on the night of September 9, 2026, while the vessel was traveling from Manila to Coron, leaving 54 people still missing. Of the 134 people listed on the manifest, 43 survivors have been accounted for by authorities. Rescuers have faced significant challenges accessing the charred vessel due to intense heat and smoke. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Why it matters
This maritime disaster highlights ongoing safety concerns for passenger ferry travel in the Philippines, a country heavily reliant on sea transport for inter-island connectivity.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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