Death toll expected to rise as charred remains found in Palawan ferry fire

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — Rescue operations at the fire-ravaged MV June Aster have uncovered charred remains in the economy section of the passenger vessel, suggesting the death toll from Wednesday night's maritime disaster will substantially exceed initial estimates.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported finding the additional bodies during recovery efforts Friday morning off Coron in Palawan waters. The vessel had been carrying 43 passengers and crew members when the fire broke out, though the exact number of casualties remains under investigation as search and recovery operations continue.

Initial reports put fatalities at five, but authorities now anticipate a significantly higher death count given the discovery of additional remains in the lower deck area where most passengers were accommodated. The severity of the fire damage has complicated identification efforts and the precise accounting of victims.

The PCG has maintained recovery operations as weather conditions permit, working to account for all persons aboard the ferry at the time of the incident. An investigation into the cause of the fire is expected to commence once rescue efforts are concluded.