Philippine ferry fire death toll rises to 76

The death toll from a fire aboard the Philippine ferry MV June Aster has risen to 76, with authorities confirming the recovery of 41 additional bodies from the charred vessel. The coast guard reported the updated figure on Saturday, September 12, 2026, as forensic specialists began the difficult process of identifying the remains. The fire broke out on Wednesday evening as the ferry was nearing the end of its voyage from Manila to Coron, a popular tourist destination in Palawan province. Survivors described a rapid and chaotic scene, with the fire starting in the cargo hold and spreading within seconds. Coast guard spokeswoman Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said survivors reported hearing a loud explosion, followed by smoke and fire that engulfed the ship almost immediately. Many passengers did not have time to put on life jackets. The vessel was carrying between 132 and 134 people, with 43 confirmed survivors. Approximately a dozen people remain unaccounted for, though the exact number is not definitively established across all reports. The ship's owner, Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., stated it is fully cooperating with the investigation.