Philippines ferry fire death toll rises to 76

The death toll from a ferry fire in the Philippines has risen to 76 after rescuers recovered 41 more bodies from the wreckage, while 13 people remain missing, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

The MV June Astor, carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members, caught fire on Wednesday while travelling from Manila to the tourist city of Coron. Forty-three people were rescued alive, with many taken to hospitals for treatment.

Rescue teams initially struggled to enter the vessel because of toxic smoke and intense heat. Body recovery began on Friday after the conditions inside the ferry improved.

Coast Guard officials said the fire started in the cargo area before spreading rapidly through the vessel. Survivors reported hearing a loud bang shortly before smoke and flames appeared, leaving many passengers little time to put on life jackets or escape.

Authorities are now focused on identifying the recovered victims and determining the cause of the fire. Officials said photographs, personal belongings and DNA testing would be used where necessary.

The ferry, built in 2002, reportedly held a valid safety certificate and passed an inspection in March. \

Investigators are examining the passenger manifest, cargo loading procedures and the crew’s emergency response. The vessel’s operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries, has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Search operations are continuing for the missing, while the disaster has renewed scrutiny of safety standards on passenger ferries in the Philippines.