Death toll from Philippine ferry fire jumps to 35

Philippine firefighters ⁠found charred remains aboard a burned-out ferry on Friday, more than a day after the ship caught fire on its way from Manila to the western province of Palawan, killing five people and leaving more than 80 missing.

Thick smoke and extreme heat had earlier prevented firefighters from entering the vessel, which was carrying more than 130 people when it was engulfed in flames on Wednesday night.

The fire was declared out at 10.15am local time.

Coastguard spokeswoman Commodore Noemi Cayabyab said burned remains were discovered in the ferry’s ‌economy accommodation. Police forensic investigators were examining the remains for recovery and identification. The death toll stood at five as of Friday morning.

The discovery adds to the anguish of families who have spent hours waiting for news of missing relatives, some expressing frustration over a lack of information as the search continued.