Philippines ferry-fire death toll rises to 35
The death toll from a ferry fire off Palawan in the Philippines rose to 35, and the coast guard warned it could increase as crews searched the burned vessel. The blaze reportedly began in the cargo hold and spread within seconds. Toxic fumes and heat slowed access. RSS reports do not identify the cause.
Why it matters
The rising toll shifts the operation from rescue toward recovery and investigation of a rapid shipboard fire.
Sources
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Part of the September 12, 2026 brief.