CORON, PALAWAN — The devastating MV June Aster ferry fire has taken an even more horrifying turn after authorities recovered 30 bodies from inside the burned passenger vessel, pushing the confirmed death toll to at least 35.
But the tragedy may be far from over.
Philippine Coast Guard personnel continue searching for dozens of people who remain unaccounted for after the MV June Aster caught fire off Coron, Palawan, leaving families desperately waiting for news about their missing loved ones.
The latest recovery operation began after authorities were finally able to enter the heavily damaged vessel following the declaration that the fire had been extinguished.
30 Bodies Found Inside the Razed Ferry
The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed that 30 cadavers were recovered from the charred remains of the MV June Aster after rescuers gained access to the vessel.
The discovery dramatically raised the death toll from the five fatalities initially reported in the hours after the fire.
Authorities had earlier struggled to enter the burned ferry because of intense heat, thick smoke and dangerous conditions inside the vessel. Once firefighters and rescue personnel were able to conduct a safety assessment and board the ship, they began finding bodies inside the wreckage.
As of the latest reports, at least 35 people have been confirmed dead.
The figures remain subject to change as search, recovery and identification operations continue. Reuters and other international news agencies reported that rescuers faced major difficulties accessing the vessel because of the extreme heat and smoke following the blaze.
Dozens Still Missing as Search Continues
The Philippine Coast Guard continues searching for passengers and crew members who remain missing or unaccounted for.
Earlier official figures listed 43 survivors, while the number of missing passengers has changed as authorities continue verifying the vessel’s manifest, recovered victims and reports from families.
The latest reports indicate that more than 50 people may still be missing or unaccounted for, although authorities have repeatedly emphasized that the numbers could change as the investigation and identification process continues.
Families have also been urged to coordinate with authorities to help verify the identities of passengers and establish an accurate list of those still missing.
Survivor Accounts Raise Questions About Explosions and Rapidly Spreading Fire
The fire broke out on Wednesday evening while the MV June Aster was approaching Coron after a long journey toward Palawan.
According to reports from survivors cited by Philippine and international media, a loud explosion was heard before the fire rapidly spread through the vessel.
Some survivors reportedly said there were two explosions, while authorities are continuing to investigate exactly where and how the fire started.
Reuters reported that the blaze spread quickly and that some passengers were forced into desperate attempts to escape, including jumping into the sea. The Philippine Coast Guard is also investigating whether emergency procedures were properly carried out and whether passengers were able to access life jackets in time.
The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined.
What Was on Board the MV June Aster?
The passenger roll-on/roll-off vessel was carrying passengers, crew members and cargo during the voyage.
Reports said the vessel had vehicles and other cargo on board, including motorcycles, an electric vehicle and a forklift, although investigators have not concluded whether any cargo was connected to the fire.
The MV June Aster’s manifest listed 117 passengers and 17 crew members, for a total of 134 people. Authorities have been working to verify the actual number of people who were on board and account for everyone affected by the disaster.
The ferry operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., has said it is cooperating with authorities and has promised assistance to passengers, crew members and their families.
The company had earlier maintained that the vessel carried sufficient accredited life vests and expressed readiness to cooperate with the official investigation.
PCG Looking Into Possible Accountability
The Philippine Coast Guard has indicated that the scale of the tragedy raises serious questions about accountability.
Officials are investigating whether the captain and crew properly implemented emergency procedures after the fire broke out and whether passengers were adequately informed about what to do during the emergency.
The vessel had reportedly passed a Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection earlier in 2026, according to the Philippine News Agency. However, investigators still have to determine what caused the fire and whether there were failures in safety procedures, emergency response or other areas.
Authorities are also continuing to monitor the area for possible environmental risks, including signs of an oil spill.
A Desperate Search for Answers
For families waiting in Coron and other parts of the Philippines, the disaster has become a painful search for answers.
Some relatives fear that additional victims may still be inside the burned vessel, while others continue hoping that missing passengers may somehow be found.
The Philippine Coast Guard, military personnel, police, local government units, medical teams, fishermen and other responders have joined the continuing operation.
The MV June Aster tragedy is now one of the country’s deadliest maritime disasters in recent years and has once again raised urgent questions about passenger safety, emergency preparedness and accountability in Philippine sea travel.
For now, investigators face one critical question:
What caused the MV June Aster fire — and how did a blaze reportedly preceded by explosions spread so quickly that dozens of people were unable to escape?
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and the number of casualties and missing persons may still change as more bodies are recovered and victims are identified.
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