PCG: Basilan ferry fire death toll rises to 31 as two more bodies retrieved

FILE PHOTO: A Philippine Coast Guard ship tries to put out the blaze that swept through MV Lady Mary Joy 3, which caught fire off Basilan province while sailing to Sulu on Wednesday night (March 29, 2023). The fire reportedly started in an air-conditioned cabin in the lower deck. —PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — The death toll from the fire that struck a ferry off Basilan province increased to 31 on Wednesday as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered two more bodies from the water.

The remains of a certain Jack Bungso and Army Staff Sergeant Audron Cerbatos were retrieved within the vicinity waters of Lampinigan Island at Baluk-Baluk Island, the PCG said.

Their bodies were brought to Isabela City, Basilan, it added.

READ: Ferry fire victims’ kin protest end of search

A total of 249 people, comprising 205 passengers and 35 crew members, were aboard M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 when it caught fire on the night of March 29 en route to Sulu from Zamboanga.

The PCG said 216 people survived the ferry fire, but two others are still missing.

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