Death Toll From Palawan Ferry Fire Rises to 35

The death toll from a ferry fire in the western Palawan province of the Philippines has risen to 35 after rescuers recovered 30 bodies on Friday. The vessel was carrying more than 130 people when it was engulfed in flames on Wednesday, September 9. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, 43 people survived the disaster, while the number of missing persons is reported between 54 and 84.

Rescuers initially struggled to enter the vessel due to extreme heat and thick smoke. Images released by the Coast Guard show the charred interior of the ship, including twisted metal, ashes, and what appeared to be human remains and a burned vehicle. Commodore Noemi Cayabyab, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard, stated that remains were discovered in the economy accommodations and are being examined by forensic investigators.

Survivor accounts cited by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) indicate that two successive explosions occurred inside the ship, triggering the blaze. One survivor told GMA News that a small amount of smoke quickly turned into a raging fire that spread through the ferry within seconds.

Families of the missing have expressed frustration over a lack of information from the government and the shipowner, Atienza Inter-Island Ferries. Some relatives reported receiving more information from survivors than from official sources.

Both reports note that maritime accidents are a recurring issue in the Philippine archipelago. One source highlights a pattern of deadly accidents, citing a January incident where over 60 people died, while the other attributes frequent accidents to factors such as poorly maintained vessels, overcrowding, and spotty enforcement of safety regulations.