Ferry fire death toll hits 77
MANILA, Philippines — One of the survivors of the MV June Aster fire has died in a hospital in Palawan, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said yesterday.
Fatalities are now at 77, with 43 survivors and 12 missing.
The June Aster crewman died on Tuesday at the Culion Sanitarium General Hospital, PCG spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab told radio dzBB.
Roel Sarmiento, the ship’s captain, said he tried to warn people about the fire, but the vessel’s public address system failed after June Aster lost its power.
In a testimony, Sarmiento recalled assisting passengers and feeling dazed upon returning to land.
“Due to so much trauma, I just walked down a road until I arrived wherever,” he said.
Cayabyab said the PCG will conduct maritime safety and crime investigations.
June Aster caught fire on Sept. 9 following an explosion in the cargo hold.
Atienza Interisland Ferries owns the ship.
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