**Philippines Ferry Fire Death Toll Rises to 35 After Bodies Recovered**
*Published on September 11, 2026*
The death toll from a tragic ferry fire in the western Palawan province of the Philippines has risen to 35, following the recovery of dozens of bodies by the Philippine Coast Guard. The incident occurred on Wednesday as the ferry was making its way from Manila to Palawan, carrying over 130 passengers and crew members.
Initial reports indicated that at least five individuals had perished in the blaze, but subsequent recovery operations revealed a much higher toll. On Friday, the Coast Guard announced that 30 additional bodies had been found, bringing the total fatalities to 35. The search continues, with 54 individuals still unaccounted for, while 43 survivors have been confirmed.
Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to the intense heat and smoke emanating from the vessel, which hampered efforts to locate trapped passengers. Images released by the Coast Guard depicted the charred remains of the ferry's interior, including what appeared to be human remains, ashes, and remnants of personal belongings, such as a burned car.
Commodore Noemi Cayabyab, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard, stated that forensic investigators are currently examining the recovered remains for identification purposes. "We recognize the grief of the families affected by this tragic incident. Rest assured that operations are carried out with utmost respect for the deceased and their bereaved families," Cayabyab remarked.
In the aftermath of the disaster, families of the missing have been actively seeking information about their loved ones, often turning to survivors for updates rather than relying solely on the ferry companies. Al Jazeera's Jamela Alindogan reported from Manila that many families expressed frustration over the lack of timely information from both the government and the ferry operators.
Ferries are a common mode of transportation in the Philippine archipelago, providing an affordable option for millions of Filipinos. The trip from Manila to Palawan typically takes over a day and costs around $50, significantly less than a flight, which can be double the price. However, the frequency of maritime accidents in the region has raised concerns regarding safety standards. Issues such as overcrowding, poorly maintained vessels, and inconsistent enforcement of safety regulations contribute to the risks associated with ferry travel.
The ferry involved in the incident was a 53-meter (174-foot) vessel, designed to accommodate 306 passengers and 27 crew members. According to the manifest, there were 134 individuals on board at the time of the fire, including 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Notably, two passengers listed on the manifest reported to authorities that they did not board the ferry.
While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, preliminary accounts from survivors suggest that two successive explosions were heard inside the ship, which may have triggered the blaze. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is currently looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As recovery efforts continue, the Philippine Coast Guard remains focused on providing support to the families affected by this devastating event. The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about maritime safety in the Philippines, where ferries are a vital link for many communities but are often plagued by safety issues.
The situation continues to evolve, and authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations progress and recovery operations unfold.