Death Toll Reported From Fire On Philippine Passenger Ferry Soars To 32

The death toll reported from the M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 ferry fire has increased to 32 following the discovery of a floating cadaver in the Basilan province on Easter Sunday, per the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

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Information shared by the PCG reflected the fatality, identified as Alses Hassan, who was reportedly seen by a concerned individual floating in the waters of Langgas Island in Basilan’s Maluso.

The PCG mentioned that Hassan was among the two missing guests of the ill-fated roll-off and roll-on vessel.

The PCG offered assurance that they’re continuing the search mission for the last missing passenger on the Lady Mary Joy 3 that had caught fire as it sailed off the Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan on 29 March.

The personnel associated with the Coast Guard have turned over the body of Hassan to the Management Office Maluso and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction for appropriate disposition.

Per reports from yesterday, PCG data reflected that there had been 216 survivors and 32 deaths resulting from the fire incident.

Of 32 deaths, 15 could be recovered at sea, while 17 were recovered on the vessel.

At the time of the incident, the PCG mentioned that there were 249 individuals on the board, comprising 205 guests, including 20 Army personnel, 35 crew members, four Coast Guard personnel, and five Army personnel.

Reference: Philstar, CGTN