The tragedy aboard the MV June Aster has taken an even darker turn after authorities recovered 30 bodies from the burned-out vessel off Coron, Palawan, with the remains now brought ashore for identification.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the recovery operation was launched after the fire was finally declared out. The 30 bodies were transported to Coron on Saturday, where forensic teams began the difficult process of identifying the victims.
The recovery brings the confirmed death toll from the ferry fire to 35, while dozens of passengers and crew members remain unaccounted for. Current figures reported by Philippine authorities vary slightly as the passenger manifest continues to be validated, with recent reports putting the number still missing at roughly 53–54 people and survivors at 43.
30 Bodies Found Inside Burned Ferry
The recovered remains were found after rescue teams were finally able to enter the heavily damaged vessel.
According to the PCG, burnt remains were discovered in the economy accommodation area of the ferry. The remains are being handled under established recovery and identification procedures, with forensic authorities expected to determine the identities of the victims.
The bodies were transported aboard the BRP Cape Engaño and brought to the Port of Borac in Coron, where they were turned over for forensic processing.
Fire Spread Within Seconds
The MV June Aster was traveling toward Coron when the disaster struck on the evening of September 9.
The ferry had departed Manila at about 8:13 p.m. on Tuesday and was expected to reach Coron the following evening. At around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, authorities received a distress call reporting a fire aboard the vessel near Coron.
A surviving crew member told investigators that the fire appeared to have started in the cargo hold. Survivors also reported hearing what sounded like an explosion before smoke and flames spread rapidly through the vessel.
The speed of the fire left passengers with little time to react. PCG officials said some survivors reported that they did not even have enough time to put on life jackets before abandoning the ship.
Authorities Now Investigating Possible Lapses
The growing death toll has intensified scrutiny of the ferry’s emergency response.
The PCG said investigators are examining whether the captain and crew properly followed emergency procedures, including whether alarms were sounded, passengers were warned and crew members assisted in the evacuation.
The PCG has also said the captain may face liability, although the degree of responsibility will depend on the results of the investigation. The captain’s whereabouts have also become a focus of the continuing probe.
Separately, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has launched a Marine Safety Investigation into the incident and deployed investigators to coordinate with the Coast Guard and assist survivors.
Ferry Had Passed a Safety Inspection
One important point investigators will have to reconcile is that the vessel had previously passed a safety inspection.
The PCG said the MV June Aster underwent a Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection in March 2026 and was found compliant at that time. Authorities are nevertheless examining the vessel’s condition, emergency procedures and the actions of its crew during the fire.
Authorities have also said the vessel was not obviously overloaded based on the passenger manifest, although the figures were still being validated as the search continued.
Search for the Missing Continues
While the 30 recovered victims have now been brought to land, the operation is far from over.
Search-and-retrieval teams continue checking the vessel and surrounding waters for additional victims. Police Maritime Group personnel have also joined the operation, while coastal communities and other responders have assisted in searching areas where passengers may have reached shore.
Authorities are also working to reconcile the official passenger manifest with reports from families of missing passengers.
The tragedy has left families in Coron waiting for answers as forensic teams work to establish the identities of those recovered.
What Happened to the MV June Aster?
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been conclusively established.
The cargo hold is a major area of interest because of survivor accounts of an explosion and the initial report that the fire began there. Investigators are expected to examine the vessel’s cargo, electrical systems, emergency procedures and crew response as part of the broader investigation.
Authorities have also said they are considering all possible leads. However, there is currently no established finding that the fire was caused by terrorism or another deliberate act. Any such possibility remains subject to investigation.
The operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., has been coordinating with authorities and providing assistance to survivors and victims’ families.
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