Manila, 11 September 2026 (dpa/MIA) – Philippine coastguard teams on Friday recovered at least 30 bodies from inside a ferry that had caught fire at sea, bringing the death toll from the accident to 35.

Coast guard personnel were able to enter the MV June Aster after the fire was declared to have been extinguished more than 30 hours after it broke out, according to coastguard spokeswoman Commodore Noemie Cayabyab.

The burnt remains were found in the economy accommodation area of the vessel, she said.

"The Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, and other concerned agencies are currently undertaking the proper recovery and identification of the remains in accordance with established procedures," the spokeswoman said.

"We recognize the grief of the families affected by this tragic incident," she added. "Rest assured that operations are carried out with utmost respect for the deceased and their bereaved families."

The vessel, carrying over 130 passengers and crew, was on its way to Coron in Palawan province, a tourist destination in the Philippines, when the fire broke out.

Forty-three people were rescued, while over 80 were initially reported as missing.

The cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed, but survivors recalled hearing a loud explosion in the ship's cargo hold before the fire broke out.

Some survivors pulled from the sea were not wearing life jackets as they may have jumped overboard as the blaze spread.

The vessel's owner, Atienza Inter-Island Ferries, said it is fully cooperating with maritime authorities on the investigation.

Photo: EPA