The death toll from the ferry fire off Coron, Palawan, has risen to 35, according to the latest report from the Philippine Coast Guard on Saturday.
The PCG said 43 survivors have been accounted for, while 53 people remain missing following the fire aboard the vessel.
The latest figures were presented during the PCG’s Sept. 12 press briefing, a day after authorities recovered 30 cadavers from the burned ferry.
The remains were found inside the economy accommodation area of the vessel on Friday night. Authorities are scheduled to bring the recovered remains to Port of Borac in Coron, Palawan, on Sept. 12 for identification procedures. They were expected to arrive before 11 a.m.
The PCG earlier reported that the fire aboard the ferry had been declared out at approximately 10:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11.
Following the extinguishing of the fire, authorities conducted a safety assessment of the vessel. During the inspection, burnt remains were observed inside the economy accommodation area.
Five other fatalities had previously been recovered on Sept. 9. These included a young boy, his mother and three other men.
Authorities said the recovered remains will undergo a thorough forensic process to determine the identities of the victims.
The continuing recovery and identification operations are being conducted as authorities work to account for those who remain missing after the maritime disaster off Coron. VIA 103.1 BRIGADA NEWS FM PALAWAN
