Death toll rises after ferry fire in the Philippines

 

TT

 

Published at 15:35

 

Witness accounts describe how the fire on board the ferry spread rapidly. Photo: Philippine Coast Guard/AP/TT

At least 30 people have been found dead following a fire on a ferry in the popular tourist province of Palawan, according to Philippine authorities, AFP reports.

The ferry was located approximately 2.2 kilometers off the coast of Palawan on Wednesday evening when the fire broke out on board. Initially, more than 80 people were reported missing, while 43 survivors had been brought ashore.

On Friday, Philippine authorities stated that the recovery of the victims' remains had begun.

The ferry was en route from the capital, Manila, to the town of Coron when the fire started. A survivor reported hearing an explosion coming from the ferry's cargo hold.

Video footage from the scene shows the ferry partially engulfed in flames.