MV June Aster death toll rises to 77

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The death toll from the ill-fated MV June Aster has risen to 77, according to the Coron Municipal Health Office and Coron MDRRMO on Wednesday.

This comes after one of the rescued survivors died on Tuesday at the Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital.

Meamwhile, 12 people are still missing while a total of 43 people have already been rescued.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also confirmed on Tuesday that MV June Aster Captain Roel Sarmiento voluntarily appeared at the vessel operator’s office five days after his ship caught fire off Coron, Palawan.

His appearance was subsequently reported to the Emergency Operations Center.

“Captain Sarmiento was accompanied by Mr. Dindo Macalinao, HR General of Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc.,” the PCG noted.

Sarmiento is scheduled to be questioned by investigators to gather details regarding the incident, according to PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabayab.

Last Wednesday, September 9, the MV June Aster caught fire while navigating the waters off Coron, Palawan.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire. —VAL, GMA News