Coron: The death toll from the fire that gutted the MV June Aster off Coron, Palawan, has risen to 77 following the death of a crew member who initially survived the incident, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported. The crew member was declared dead by the Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital at approximately 11:34 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, this recent death has reduced the number of survivors to 43, with 12 individuals still missing from the 132 listed on the vessel's ticket manifest. The PCG is actively coordinating with relevant authorities to continue recovery operations and investigate the incident.

The fire broke out aboard the MV June Aster on September 9 while it was traveling from Batangas to Coron. In recent developments, the ship's captain, Roel Sarmiento, who had been missing since the fire, voluntarily came forward on Monday to face questioning regarding his absence.

The PCG has instructed the vessel's operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., to hire a salvor to aid in siphoning operations and to evaluate the structural integrity of the vessel.