Palawan: The death toll from a fire aboard a passenger ferry off the western Philippine province of Palawan rose to 76, with 13 people still missing, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

According to Anadolu Agency, the PCG stated that 41 additional charred remains had been recovered from the MV June Aster, increasing the number of confirmed fatalities from 35 to 76. The remains are expected to be transported aboard the BRP Cape Engano on Sunday.

The number of survivors remains at 43, according to the Coast Guard. Based on the vessel's ticket manifest of 134 people, 13 remain unaccounted for, while two individuals listed on the manifest reported that they had not boarded the ferry. Authorities have indicated that these figures could still change as recovery and identification operations continue.

The MV June Aster was en route from Manila to Coron in Palawan when it caught fire Wednesday night. Initial reports indicated that the vessel was carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew members. Five fatalities were confirmed on Wednesday night, and 43 passengers and crew members were rescued at that time.

Authorities later recovered 30 bodies from the charred vessel after the fire was extinguished and a safety assessment was completed.