An initial batch of 30 bodies was recovered Friday from the wreckage of the MV June Aster, a passenger and cargo ferry that caught fire earlier this week off Coron, Palawan, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.
According to a Friday night update from the PCG, retrieval operations and the transfer of the remains began at 5:16 p.m. using the search and rescue vessel BRP Cape Engaño.
“The remains are scheduled to be transported to the Port of Borac, Coron, Palawan, tomorrow, September 12, 2026,” the PCG said.
“The estimated time of arrival at the port is 11 a.m.,” added the PCG.
The update follows earlier statements from maritime officials indicating that charred remains had been spotted inside the ferry’s economy section, though specific numbers were not immediately available. Rescue teams were able to board and inspect the ship after declaring the blaze officially under control at 10:15 a.m. Friday.
Before the latest discovery, official figures placed the number of missing individuals at 84, down from 86 after two listed passengers confirmed they had missed the trip. Five fatalities had been confirmed previously, while 43 survivors were successfully pulled from the water.
Operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., the vessel had departed Baseco, Manila, on Tuesday evening bound for Coron when the tragedy struck at sea Wednesday night.