The Philippine Coast Guard says it has recovered 30 bodies from the site of a ferry that caught fire this week, bringing the total death toll to 35.
More than 130 people were on board the MV June Aster when a fire broke out Wednesday as it approached its destination in the tourist hotspot of Coron after departing Manila.
Forty-three people were rescued, many of them treated in hospital, and the search continues for more than 50 people who remain missing.
The country’s coast guard says there are still bodies on the boat that they were unable to recover until Friday due to toxic fumes and lingering heat.
At a news conference, coast guard spokesman Commodore Noemi Cayabyab said most of the bodies were recovered from the sleeping compartment of the boat, which made the 22-hour journey.
“Agencies are currently conducting proper recovery and identification of the remains in accordance with established procedures,” Cayabyab said.
“We recognize the grief of the families affected by this tragic incident.”
The Coast Guard previously said preliminary interviews with survivors suggested the fire started in the cargo hold. They noted that some passengers were not wearing life jackets.
A survivor who was brought to safety on a rescue boat told the BBC he heard frantic screams on board as the fire broke out and was trampled by panicked people as he tried to escape.
Philippine maritime authorities are investigating the incident.
The ferry, built in 2002, had valid safety certificates and passed a safety inspection in March, but investigators are looking into potential discrepancies in documentation, loading integrity and crew emergency response protocols, Palawan Daily reported.
There were 117 passengers and 17 crew members on board the ship.
The vessel’s operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries, has promised to cooperate fully with the investigation.
“Our hearts remain with the families affected, and we will not rest until every person is counted,” the company said in a statement Thursday.