The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has concluded its search of the June Aster ferry, which caught fire off Palawan last Wednesday and subsequently ran aground. Responders have thoroughly examined various areas, including the bridge, crew quarters, and passenger accommodations, and are nearly finished searching the cargo decks. To date, 76 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage, where passengers would have faced densely-packed bunk racks amidst smoke and flames.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab confirmed that all areas have been fully accessed by response teams, and a secondary sweep will follow to recover any remaining evidence relevant to the ongoing investigation. Images from the scene indicate severe fire damage, with structural deformation evident in the upright pillars of the passenger berthing area.
In addition to the search efforts, the PCG has issued a demand to the shipowner for the appointment of a qualified salvor. The vessel remains aground, with its hull integrity uncertain and water accumulating in the engine room. While the PCG has been managing oily waste removal, they are seeking to transfer pollution-abatement responsibilities to a private contractor.
The damage inflicted on the June Aster is extensive, with the interior showing signs of intense fire damage. First responders recorded temperatures exceeding 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit, which can warp steel and alter its physical properties. This presents additional challenges for salvage operations, as structural evaluations will be necessary to assess the vessel’s condition.
