Philippine rescuers on Friday resumed the search for survivors of a ferry fire off the western province of Palawan that killed at least five people, with 84 others still missing.
Rescue efforts were hampered by thick smoke coming from the burned vessel, preventing responders from boarding the ferry, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Cayabyab said.
Cayabyab said the number of missing people was revised to 84 from 86 after authorities confirmed that two people listed on the passenger manifest had not been on board. The number of people rescued remained at 43.
One survivor, Richard Marceliano, told GMA News that he initially saw a small amount of smoke before it quickly developed into a fire that spread through the ferry within seconds. He said he and other passengers spent nearly two hours in the sea before being rescued.
The Coast Guard deployed five vessels and divers to the area, while army rescue boats, fishermen and private resort owners continued to assist in the search, which began on Wednesday night. Cayabyab said a larger Coast Guard vessel would also be deployed.
The cause of the fire remained unclear. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), citing accounts from survivors, said two successive explosions were heard inside the vessel before the fire broke out.
According to the vessel’s manifest, the ferry was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members on a voyage from Baseco in Manila to Coron, a popular tourist destination in Palawan known for its diving sites and island-hopping attractions.
The ferry was also carrying five motorcycles, an electric vehicle, a forklift, a pickup truck and mainly cargo goods, according to the Coast Guard.
