PCG to conduct secondary sweep on ferry June Aster

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) intends to conduct a secondary sweep of the fire-stricken ferry MV June Aster after failing to recover additional bodies.

Up until yesterday afternoon, the number of fatalities was pegged at 76 and the survivors at 43, with 13 people still listed as missing.

In a statement, PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the response teams have fully accessed and searched the bridge and the accommodation areas for the crew as well as the economy and air-conditioned passengers.

“These areas have been 100-percent penetrated by our response teams. A secondary sweep will be conducted to ensure the recovery of any remaining evidence and other materials relevant to the ongoing investigation,” Cayabyab said.

She added that approximately 65 percent of the cargo hold, where the explosion was reportedly heard, has been penetrated.

The PCG said that since Sept. 12, joint authorities have been siphoning water from the vessel’s engine room.

Oily water mixtures removed from the engine room have so far been transferred into 13 drums for proper handling.

“We have sent a demand letter to the shipping company, directing it to immediately engage a competent salvor to undertake further siphoning operations and assess the structural integrity and condition of MV June Aster,” Cayabyab said.