Recovery efforts hampered by fumes and heat

Authorities could not board the vessel until Friday because of toxic fumes and residual heat. The coast guard said recovery of bodies is ongoing. Geronimo Tuvilla, an official for the Philippine Coast Guard, said the priority was identifying victims and determining the cause of the blaze. Officials are now focusing on identifying victims and establishing the cause of the blaze.

Survivors and missing

Forty-three people have been confirmed as survivors, many of whom are receiving hospital treatment. Thirteen passengers are still listed as missing. Kristine Ablana, a tourism official in Coron, said relatives were being asked to help identify family members through personal items and DNA testing. "Once someone is able to verify that this photo or these belongings are indeed those of their relative, they will be asked to provide a DNA sample," she said. Relatives have been asked to assist with identification through personal items and DNA samples.

How the fire started

Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the fire began in a cargo hold and spread rapidly after survivors heard a loud explosion followed by smoke. She said survivors had described hearing a loud explosion, "the appearance of smoke and then fire. It spread very quickly". Passengers had no time to don lifejackets before escaping. A survivor who was hauled to safety on a rescue boat told the BBC he had heard frantic cries onboard when the fire erupted, and was trampled by panicked people as he tried to escape.

Investigation under way

The ferry, built in 2002, held valid safety certificates and had passed an enforcement inspection in March. Investigators are examining possible discrepancies in the manifest, cargo loading integrity and crew emergency response protocols, the Palawan Daily reported. Investigators are looking into potential manifest discrepancies, cargo loading integrity, and crew emergency response protocols.

Frequently asked questions

How many people were on the ferry?

More than 130 passengers and crew were aboard the MV June Aster when the fire broke out.

What caused the fire?

Officials have not yet determined the cause, but survivors reported a loud explosion in the cargo hold followed by rapid spread of smoke and flames.

Are rescue operations still active?

Yes, body recovery and search for the missing continue under the Philippine Coast Guard.