Philippines Ferry Fire Death Toll Rises to 35 as 54 Missing

Philippines ferry fire kills at least 35, 54 missing. Rescue teams recover 30 bodies as panic and flames claim lives.

September 12, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Manila, Philippines — A deadly fire on a passenger ferry in the Philippines has claimed the lives of at least 35 people, with 54 others still unaccounted for, according to local authorities.

Rescue crews pulled 30 bodies from the charred remains of the vessel on Friday, marking a grim increase in the death toll following the incident. The blaze, which spread rapidly, left many passengers scrambling for safety, with one man reportedly trampled by others in the chaos.

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The tragedy adds to a history of maritime disasters in the region, including a similar ferry sinking in January 2026 that killed at least 52 people. Officials continue to search for survivors and identify the deceased as the full extent of the disaster becomes clearer.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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