41 more bodies found aboard burned Coron ferry, toll now at 76

CORON, Philippines — The death toll from a Philippine ferry fire jumped to 76 on Saturday night after the coast guard confirmed the discovery of 41 more bodies aboard the burnt-out vessel.

The remains will be transported to a port in the resort town of Coron, Palawan, coast guard spokeswoman Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said in a statement.

The toll was a swift leap from the count by Saturday midday of 35 based on the bodies recovered. Officials had said that more bodies on board have not been recovered.

The vessel was destroyed by fire on Thursday, September 10 off the popular beach town of Coron, Palawan. Passengers on board reported a loud explosion, smoke and the rapid spread of fire onboard.

Coast guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab told Agence France Presse on Friday that the initial transfer had been capped at 30 bodies at first due to the capacity of the patrol vessel transporting them. — Reports from Agence France Presse