Off the western coast of the Philippines, a passenger ferry bound for the tourist island of Coron caught fire Wednesday night, killing at least 35 people and leaving 54 more unaccounted for among the 134 aboard. The sea, which connects the Philippine archipelago's thousands of islands and serves as the lifeblood of its people's movement, has long also been a place of recurring loss — a consequence of aging vessels, inconsistent safety enforcement, and the relentless demand for passage. As rescuers in hazmat suits moved through the gutted wreck and families gathered at shore waiting for word of
Philippine ferry fire death toll reaches 35 as rescuers recover more bodies
At least 35 people confirmed dead, 54 missing, and 43 survivors recovered; families unable to identify charred remains of loved ones.