The fire erupted Wednesday evening in the cargo hold and spread through the ship in seconds, giving passengers no time to don lifejackets before evacuating. 30 bodies were transported to port Saturday morning; 54 people remain unaccounted for and authorities expect the death toll to exceed 35.
Philippines ferry fire death toll reaches 35; coast guard warns toll will grow
At least 35 people confirmed dead with 54 unaccounted for; families searching for missing relatives including a man who recently became a father.