Philippine rescuers have boarded a ferry to resume firefighting efforts nearly 40 hours after a fire began on the vessel. The blaze is believed to have started in the ferry's cargo hold, where containers and goods are stored, according to preliminary interviews with survivors.
Thick, toxic fumes and extreme temperatures are posing challenges for the rescue teams working aboard the ferry. The vessel, the MV June Aster, departed from Manila and was approaching its destination at Coron, a popular tourist spot in Palawan province, when the fire broke out on Wednesday evening.
Survivors recounted a chaotic scene as the fire spread. One passenger described being trampled in the scramble to escape before leaping into the sea. "It was cold [in the sea] If the rescue had been delayed, I would definitely have died," the survivor told the BBC. He also noted seeing children in the water.
The Philippines' maritime authority is investigating the incident. The ferry, built in 2002, had valid safety certificates and passed an inspection in March. However, investigators are examining potential discrepancies in the cargo manifest, the integrity of the cargo loading, and the crew's emergency response protocols.
Atienza Interisland Ferries, the operator of the vessel, has committed to full cooperation with the inquiry. "Our hearts remain with the affected families, and we will not rest until all individuals are accounted for," the company stated on Thursday.