30 Cadavers Recovered from Fire-Hit MV June Aster in Palawan

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Authorities have recovered an initial 30 cadavers from the fire-ravaged MV June Aster, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said Friday night, Sept. 11. Cayabyab told reporters that the charred remains were recovered after the fire was declared out and the vessel underwent a safety assessment. The retrieval and transfer of the remains began at around 5:16 p.m. Friday using the BRP Cape Engaño (MRRV-4411), she said. Cayabyab said the remains are scheduled to be transported to the Port of Coron and are expected to arrive at around 11 a.m. Saturday. The June Aster caught fire around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday while sailing from Manila to Coron. The vessel was about 1.2 nautical miles northeast of Barangay Marcilla when the blaze broke out. An initial investigation said the vessel, which left Manila on Tuesday night, had initially been reported to be carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members. The PCG, however, said two persons listed in the passenger manifest did not board the vessel. Survivors earlier reported hearing an explosion before thick smoke and flames rapidly spread through the vessel. One survivor said the fire may have started in the cargo hold, where vehicles and other cargo were stored. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.