World · Philippines Bureau
Palawan ferry disaster: Only 5 of 76 victims identified days after fire
Only five of the 76 people who perished in the MV June Aster ferry fire off Coron, Palawan have been identified as of Monday, authorities reported. The disaster has left 13 survivors hospitalized as recovery efforts progress.
LSN Philippines ·
CALAPAN CITY — Recovery operations following the deadly fire aboard the MV June Aster continue in Palawan waters, with authorities facing a lengthy process to identify the 76 confirmed fatalities from the disaster off Coron. As of Monday evening, the Coron Emergency Operations Center reported that only five victims had been formally identified and claimed by relatives, highlighting the challenges ahead in the identification and documentation phase of the disaster response.
The slow pace of identifications reflects the scale of the tragedy and the difficulties in processing remains following the vessel fire. Authorities have established a systematic approach to victim identification, coordinating with families and utilizing available documentation and records to match the deceased.
Meanwhile, 13 survivors remain hospitalized following the incident. Medical teams continue to provide care for those injured in the disaster, with assessments ongoing regarding their conditions and expected recovery timelines.
The Coron Emergency Operations Center continues to coordinate response and recovery operations. Authorities have pledged to accelerate the identification process to provide closure to the families of the deceased while maintaining the dignity and accuracy required in such proceedings.