Death toll from Philippines ferry fire rises to 76
The death toll from a passenger ferry which caught fire in the Philippines on Wednesday has reached 76, according to Commodore Noemi Cayabyab, spokesperson for the Philippines Coast Guard.
Ms Cayabyab said emergency workers found 41 additional bodies on Saturday, raising the toll to 76.
She added that 43 people survived.
The passenger ferry, the June Aster, was transporting 132 people from Manila to Coron when fire engulfed the cargo section before spreading to other parts.
Ms Cayabyab said the toll wasn’t final, noting it could still increase because 13 passengers could not be accounted for.
“This figure may still change as recovery and identification operations continue,” she said, adding that two passengers scheduled for the trip did not board the vessel.
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