(Associated Press) Coron, Palawan, Philippines — The death toll from a fire that gutted the passenger ferry MV June Aster off Palawan province has risen to 35, with rescue teams still searching for 54 people who remain missing. The vessel, which had departed Manila carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew, was only a few kilometers from its destination in Coron when the blaze broke out Wednesday evening. Survivors told investigators the fire followed two loud explosions from the cargo hold, which was carrying vehicles, a forklift, and other goods, though officials say the exact cause is still under investigation. The fire spread so rapidly that some passengers had no time to grab life jackets, with survivors describing scenes of panic as people were trampled while trying to escape. One survivor told reporters he spent two hours floating in the water before rescuers reached him. Of those aboard, 43 people have been confirmed as survivors so far. The ship’s operator, Atienza Interisland Ferries, said it is cooperating fully with the investigation and assisting affected families, while search and rescue operations continue in the waters off Palawan. Read More