Philippine Ferry Fire Death Toll Rises To 76

According to Nikkei Asia, Philippine rescuers recovered 41 more charred remains from a ferry fire, lifting the death toll to 76 and leaving 13 people unaccounted for. Forensic teams were working to identify the victims after 30 bodies recovered on Friday were brought to a port in Coron town, where temporary tents were set up for processing. The ferry was carrying more than 130 people when it caught fire near the end of its more than 20-hour journey. Firefighters entered the vessel for the first time on Friday after extinguishing the blaze more than a day after it broke out, and the Coast Guard said burnt remains were found in the ferry's economy accommodation section. Philippine Coast Guard official Geronimo Tuvilla said the immediate priority was to identify the victims and determine the cause of the fire. The Maritime Industry Authority, citing survivor accounts, said two explosions were heard inside the vessel shortly before the fire broke out.