🚢 Thirty bodies recovered from the burned M/V June Aster have been brought to port near Coron, Palawan, raising the confirmed death toll from the Philippine ferry fire to at least 35.
The vessel caught fire on 9 September while travelling from Manila toward Coron. Authorities said 43 people survived, while 54 remained unaccounted for in the latest reported count.
The recovery has been slowed by the condition of the ferry. Bodies were found in its economy-accommodation area and are being transferred for forensic identification. 🔥
The cause of the fire has not been determined. Investigators are expected to proceed after recovery operations, with officials saying more remains may still be aboard the vessel.