The death toll from the MV June Aster ferry fire off Coron, Palawan, has risen to 35, with 43 survivors and 53 people still missing, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Saturday.

The latest figures were reported during the PCG’s Sept. 12 press briefing, a day after authorities recovered 30 cadavers from the burned vessel.

The fire broke out Wednesday after survivors reported hearing a loud explosion, followed by smoke and flames. The blaze was declared out at about 10:15 a.m. Friday.

Authorities found additional burnt remains in the vessel’s economy accommodation area during a safety assessment.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the retrieval and transfer of the remains began at about 5:16 p.m. Friday using the BRP Cape Engaño.

The PCG, PNP-SOCO and other agencies are continuing recovery and identification efforts. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.