PCG recovers another body in Basilan ferry fire; number of dead now at 32

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday said it recovered another body off the waters of Langgas Island, Maluso, Basilan, bringing to 32 the total recorded deaths in the Basilan ferry fire.

According to PCG in a statement, the said body was first spotted by a concerned citizen around 9 a.m. on Sunday.

The victim was identified as Alses Hassan, one of the two missing passengers of M/V Lady Mary Joy.

“As of today, the PCG recorded 216 survivors and 32 deaths (15 recovered at sea, 17 recovered on board the vessel) due to the fire incident onboard MV LADY MARY JOY 3 in the vicinity waters off Basilan,” said PCG.

With the latest retrieval of the body, PCG said that it will continue its search operation to recover the last remaining missing passenger of the vessel.

To recall, M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 was en route to Sulu from Zamboanga when it caught fire on the night of March 29.

RELATED STORIES:

Shipping firm ‘profoundly sorry’ for Basilan ferry fire

Basilan solon wants review of maritime laws following deadly ferry fire

JPV