The death toll from a devastating ferry fire in the Philippines has risen to 76, with 13 people still missing as authorities work to identify victims and determine what caused the disaster.

The fire erupted Wednesday night aboard the M/V June Aster as the passenger ferry was nearing Coron in Palawan province after a more than 20-hour journey from Manila. More than 130 people were aboard the vessel. Forty-three survivors have been accounted for.

Dozens of Remains Recovered
Rescue teams recovered 41 additional sets of remains from the burned-out ferry on Saturday, bringing the confirmed death toll to 76. Earlier, 30 bodies had been recovered from the vessel.

Forensic specialists have begun the difficult process of identifying the victims. Authorities said many of the remains were severely damaged by the intense fire, meaning identification could take weeks or even months.

Some remains were found together in sections of the ferry, while others were scattered throughout the vessel, according to forensic officials.

Temporary facilities have been established in Coron as forensic teams collect DNA samples and compare them with samples provided by relatives of missing passengers.

Survivors Reported Explosions Before the Fire
The exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Authorities said survivors reported hearing two explosions inside the vessel shortly before the fire spread rapidly. Investigators are examining several areas of the ferry, including the lower decks and engine room, for evidence that could help explain how the disaster began.

Firefighters were unable to fully enter the vessel until more than a day after the fire because of intense heat and smoke. Once inside, investigators found extensive damage, including heavily burned areas and twisted metal bed frames.

Officials have not yet announced a definitive cause.

Families Await Answers
The disaster has left families waiting for confirmation about loved ones who remain unaccounted for.

The ferry operator, Atienza Inter-Island Ferries, said it is cooperating with investigators and assisting affected families as authorities continue the recovery and identification process.

The tragedy is among the deadliest maritime disasters in the Philippines in recent years. Ferry travel is a crucial part of daily life in the archipelago, where thousands of islands make sea transportation essential for millions of people.

As recovery efforts continue, investigators are still searching portions of the vessel that have not been fully examined.

Course: NY Post