Philippine authorities confirmed on Friday that 30 bodies were recovered from the MV June Aster ferry, raising the death toll from the fire to 35. The vessel caught fire on Wednesday as it traveled from Manila to the tourist destination of Coron in Palawan. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that 43 people had been rescued and 54 were still missing at the time of the update. The exact number of fatalities will be determined by forensic investigators examining the charred remains found in the economy accommodation area of the ferry.

The fire, which broke out in the cargo hold, spread rapidly due to strong winds, according to Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemi Cayabyab. Survivors described hearing two explosions before the blaze engulfed the vessel. Some passengers jumped into the sea and were later rescued. The ferry was carrying electric cars, motorcycles, cargo, and provisions for the crew and passengers. Ferries are a common mode of transport in the Philippines, but the country has a history of maritime accidents linked to overcrowding, adverse weather, and lax safety standards.

Cayabyab acknowledged the difficulty of rescue efforts, noting that heavy smoke and extreme heat hindered firefighters from entering the smoldering vessel. The Coast Guard deployed multiple vessels and divers to the scene, while army rescue boats, fishermen, and private resort owners also assisted in the search. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) cited survivor accounts of two explosions that triggered the fire, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

Families of the missing continue to seek information, with some reporting that the ferry company provided limited details. Al Jazeera correspondent Jamela Alindogan noted that many families turned to survivors for updates, as information from the government and private sector was often controlled. The ferry, which had a capacity of 306 passengers and 27 crew, was carrying 134 people, including 117 passengers and 17 crew. Two individuals listed on the manifest were confirmed not to have boarded the vessel.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about maritime safety in the Philippines, where ferries are a primary means of transport for millions. A one-day journey from Manila to Coron costs $50, compared to $100 for a flight. Despite the affordability, the risk of accidents remains high due to factors such as overcrowding, poor maintenance, and inconsistent enforcement of safety regulations, particularly in remote areas. The cause of the fire and the full extent of the casualties remain under investigation, with no official statement yet on the responsibility or accountability of those involved.