The death toll from the MV June Aster ferry fire has climbed to 76, after rescuers recovered 41 additional human remains from the burned vessel off Coron, Palawan.
The Philippine Coast Guard said 13 people remained unaccounted for, while 43 people survived the disaster.
The ferry was traveling from Manila to Coron when fire broke out on the evening of September 9, 2026. Authorities said the vessel was carrying more than 130 people based on its manifest, although officials have emphasized that passenger figures were still being validated.
The latest recovery operation came after rescuers were finally able to enter heavily damaged portions of the vessel following the extinguishing of the fire.
According to Reuters and AP, the additional remains were discovered in areas of the ferry that had been difficult to access because of intense heat and thick smoke. Temporary facilities were established in Coron to begin the difficult process of identifying the victims.
GMA News reported that the first 30 recovered bodies had already been brought to land in Coron. The 41 additional remains were subsequently recovered, bringing the confirmed death toll to 76.
Authorities are now working to identify the victims through forensic procedures, while families of missing passengers continue to wait for information.
GMA News reported on Sunday that relatives of passengers still missing arrived in Coron after traveling from Manila. The families are seeking answers as recovery and identification operations continue.
What caused the fire?
The exact cause remains under investigation.
The Philippine Coast Guard previously said an initial account from a surviving crew member indicated that the fire began in the cargo hold and initially appeared small before spreading rapidly.
GMA News reported that the survivor described the fire growing dramatically within seconds.
Reuters and AP likewise reported that survivors described hearing explosions before the flames spread rapidly through the vessel. Investigators are examining whether the cargo hold, emergency procedures and other safety factors played a role.
Authorities are also examining the actions of the captain and crew, including whether proper emergency procedures were followed and whether passengers were adequately warned.
The fate of the vessel’s captain remains another major question. The Coast Guard said information had been received that he may have survived, but his name was not included among the 43 confirmed survivors.
Earlier in the investigation, GMA News reported that the PCG said the shipping company could potentially face liability depending on the findings of the investigation. Officials said they would examine possible negligence, the crew’s response and compliance with emergency procedures.
The PCG also previously said the vessel had undergone a pre-departure inspection and had passed a Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection in March 2026. Investigators will nevertheless determine whether any safety violations or other contributing factors were involved in the tragedy.
A tragedy still unfolding
The numbers have changed dramatically since the first reports of the disaster, when five deaths and dozens of missing passengers were initially reported.
As rescuers gained access to the burned sections of the vessel, the death toll rose first to 35 and then to 76 after the recovery of 41 additional remains.
With 76 confirmed dead, 43 survivors and 13 people still unaccounted for, the focus has now shifted toward victim identification, continued recovery and determining exactly how the deadly fire spread so quickly.
For the families waiting in Coron, however, the investigation is only one part of the story. Many are still waiting for the most painful answer of all: whether their missing loved ones will be among those identified.
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