Death toll from Philippines ferry fire rises to 35, as officials warn toll will grow

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Published: 2026-09-12T05:10:29.731Z • Permanent link

Philippine authorities have confirmed that the death toll from the devastating ferry fire that occurred on the Sulpicio Express 7 has risen to 35, with officials warning that the actual number of fatalities may be higher due to the severity of the blaze. The tragedy occurred on June 20, 2023, when a fire broke out in the cargo hold of the ferry, which was traveling from the city of Iloilo to the resort town of Coron. The blaze quickly spread throughout the ship, trapping passengers inside and forcing them to jump into the water to escape.

Rescue efforts were hampered by the remote location of the ferry, which was traveling in the Sulu Sea. The Philippine Coast Guard and other emergency responders were eventually able to reach the ferry, but not before many passengers had already perished. The ferry's captain, Rolando Asuncion, and several other crew members were also killed in the disaster. The Philippine government has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which is believed to have been sparked by a short circuit in the cargo hold.

Lawsuits have been filed against the ferry's owner, Sulpicio Lines Inc., and other parties involved in the operation of the ferry. The company's parent, the Sulpicio Group, has denied any wrongdoing and has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation. The Philippine government has also promised to take action against anyone found responsible for the tragedy.

The ferry fire is a stark reminder of the risks faced by passengers traveling by sea in the Philippines. The country's maritime industry is one of the busiest in the world, with millions of passengers traveling by ferry every year. However, the industry is also plagued by a lack of regulation and oversight, which can put passengers at risk. The ferry fire has highlighted the need for greater safety measures to be implemented in the industry, including regular inspections and maintenance of vessels.

Researchers at the University of the Philippines have been studying the impact of the ferry fire on the country's maritime industry. Their findings suggest that the disaster has led to a significant increase in demand for ferry safety measures, including the implementation of more stringent safety protocols and the use of advanced safety equipment. The researchers believe that their findings can help to inform policy decisions and drive change in the industry.

The ferry fire is part of a larger pattern of maritime disasters that have been occurring in the Philippines in recent years. In 2019, a cargo ship capsized off the coast of the country, killing dozens of people. The incident highlighted the need for greater safety measures to be implemented in the country's maritime industry. However, the government has been slow to respond, and many critics argue that the country's maritime regulations are inadequate.