Philippine Ferry Fire Death Toll Hits 76 as Rescuers Recover More Bodies Near Coron

The death toll from the devastating fire aboard the M/V June Aster ferry in the Philippines has risen to 76 after rescuers recovered 41 more bodies from the charred vessel, while 13 people remain missing.

The ferry was carrying 134 people — 117 passengers and 17 crew members — when the fire erupted on the evening of Sept. 9 as it neared Coron, Palawan. Forty-three people survived the disaster.

The latest recovery operation brought the number of bodies found aboard the burned-out ferry to 71, in addition to five people who had died earlier, according to authorities. Rescuers initially struggled to enter the vessel because of intense heat and thick smoke, but were eventually able to access heavily damaged sections of the ship.

Many of the remains were discovered in the ferry’s economy accommodation area, where the destruction was particularly severe. The bodies have been brought to Coron, where forensic teams are working to identify the victims.

Authorities warn that identifying the victims could take weeks or even months because many of the remains were badly burned. Forensic specialists are collecting DNA samples and comparing them with samples from relatives, while families have also been asked to help identify personal belongings recovered from the vessel.

The fire broke out during the final stage of the ferry’s more than 20-hour voyage. Survivors said they heard what appeared to be two explosions before the fire spread rapidly through the vessel. Some passengers reportedly had little time to put on life jackets before jumping into the sea.

The Philippine Coast Guard has not yet determined the cause of the blaze. Investigators are examining the vessel, including its lower decks and engine room, while also looking into whether proper emergency procedures were followed by the crew.

The ferry’s operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries, has said it is cooperating with the investigation and assisting affected families. The vessel had passed a safety inspection in March 2026, although authorities have said the circumstances surrounding the fire and the crew’s response remain under investigation.

The tragedy is among the Philippines’ deadliest maritime disasters in recent years, once again raising questions about passenger safety and emergency preparedness in a country where ferries remain a vital means of transportation across its many islands.