Death Toll Rises to 35 in Philippine Ferry Fire

According to reports from Khaosod Online, citing the BBC, the death toll from the fire aboard the MV June Ester ferry has reached at least 35. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 9, off the coast of Coron, Palawan, in the western Philippines. While 43 survivors were rescued on the day of the incident, 56 people remain missing.

Rescue operations were delayed until Friday, September 11, due to extreme heat and toxic gases lingering within the vessel. Coast Guard officials stated that most bodies were recovered from the passenger accommodation areas. The ferry, built in 2002, reportedly held valid safety certifications and passed an inspection in March 2026.

For travelers and residents in the region, this incident highlights the critical importance of maritime safety protocols. Preliminary survivor accounts suggest the fire originated in the cargo hold, and reports indicate that some passengers were not wearing life jackets. The Philippine Maritime Authority is currently investigating the cause of the blaze. Authorities are also examining potential discrepancies in passenger and cargo manifests, which may affect the accuracy of the missing persons count. As the investigation continues, families await the identification of the victims, and further details regarding the vessel's compliance and the exact cause of the fire remain to be confirmed.