Identification of victims from Philippine ferry blaze could take weeks or longer
Authorities say the remains recovered from the ferry that caught fire en route from Manila to Coron are heavily charred, making identification a lengthy process.
A ferry traveling southwest from Manila to Coron in Palawan province erupted in flames, killing at least 76 people and leaving 13 still unaccounted for. The vessel, which held more than 130 passengers, was close to its 20-hour journey's end when the fire broke out, prompting firefighters to enter only after the blaze was extinguished. Richard Allan Mangalip of the Philippine National Police described the recovered remains as largely charred and dispersed, warning that identification could take weeks or even longer due to the volume of specimens.
Investigators have yet to pinpoint the fire's origin, though survivor testimony mentions two explosions heard shortly before the inferno. The Maritime Industry Authority noted that key areas such as flooded lower decks and the engine room remain inaccessible, complicating the search for evidence. Shipowner Atienza Inter-Island Ferries pledged full cooperation with the inquiry and support for affected families.
Why it matters
The disaster highlights safety challenges in the Philippines' heavily relied-upon ferry system and leaves many families awaiting closure.
How this story developed
- Sep 9 Fire breaks out on MV June Aster carrying over 100 passengers near Coron
- Sep 10 Rescue teams have saved 28 passengers and taken them to a basketball court in Brgy. Turda.
- Sep 10 Authorities began focusing on locating the missing passengers.
- Sep 11 Rescue numbers rose to 43 as the search for remaining passengers continued.
- Sep 11 Fire declared out and burnt bodies observed on the vessel.
- Sep 12 Thirty charred bodies were delivered to Coron for identification, raising the confirmed death count to at least 35.
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