A ferry fire off the Philippines has claimed at least 35 lives, with authorities warning the death toll could rise further as 30 bodies were recovered from the stricken vessel. The blaze, which started in the cargo hold and spread rapidly through the ship, forced the M/V June Aster to run aground near the popular tourist destination of Coron. Rescue efforts continue as the coast guard prepares to receive more remains, while temporary shelters have been set up to handle the grim aftermath. The disaster has raised urgent questions about safety measures on the overcrowded ferry route.
The deadly fire had begun in the ferry’s cargo hold, then tore through the ship within secondsThe bodies of passengers killed in a ferry fire off the Philippines arrived at a port near the resort town of Coron, Palawan, on Saturday morning, as the country’s coast guard warned the death toll of 35 would grow.Tents were being set up to receive 30 bodies brought from the M/V June Aster, which ran aground near the tourist hotspot after a fire erupted on Wednesday evening and tore through the vessel “in seconds”. Continue reading...
