In the waters of the Philippine archipelago, where thousands cross daily between islands, a passenger ferry caught fire and claimed at least thirty-five lives, with dozens more still unaccounted for. The sea, long the connective tissue of this island nation, has again revealed the fragility of the systems human beings build to traverse it. As rescue teams search the wreckage, the disaster asks an older, harder question: what obligations do societies owe to those who have no choice but to trust the vessels that carry them?
Philippines Ferry Fire Death Toll Reaches 35 as Rescue Efforts Continue
At least 35 people confirmed dead with dozens still missing from the ferry fire.