Philippine ferry fire death toll climbs to 76, 13 still missing

Manila – The Philippine Coast Guard announced that divers have retrieved an additional 41 bodies from the wreck of the M/V June Aster, raising the confirmed death toll from the maritime disaster. The vessel, which capsized while en route between the islands of Batangas and Mindoro earlier this week, left a total of 13 passengers and crew still unaccounted for after the latest recovery effort.

Rescue teams continue to search the submerged hull and surrounding waters, employing sonar equipment and underwater drones to locate the missing individuals. Authorities have urged families of the absent to await official identification, while the Coast Guard and local government units coordinate with the Maritime Industry Authority to investigate the cause of the incident and to review safety protocols for inter‑island transport. The ongoing operation underscores the challenges of maritime safety in the archipelago and the government's commitment to providing assistance to affected families.