In the waters between Manila and the island of Coron, a passenger ferry became a vessel of grief on Wednesday night when fire consumed it before most aboard could escape. By Friday, 35 lives had been confirmed lost, 54 souls remained unaccounted for, and only 43 of the 134 aboard had survived — a reminder that the sea, which connects the scattered islands of the Philippine archipelago, can also sever the threads that bind families together. The cause of the blaze is not yet known, and maritime authorities continue their investigation as a nation that has known catastrophic loss at sea confront
Philippines ferry fire death toll reaches 35; 54 still missing
35 people confirmed dead, 54 missing, and 43 survivors; two Chilean tourists among survivors recovering from injuries in hospital.