The fire that broke out aboard the MV June Aster in waters off Coron, Palawan was formally declared out at around 10:15 a.m. on Friday, September 11, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
According to PCG Spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, the Coast Guard response team conducted a safety assessment of the vessel and found burned human remains inside the economy accommodation area.
Following the discovery, the PCG, PNP-Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO), and other concerned agencies began coordinating the proper retrieval of the remains and efforts to determine their identities.
Meanwhile, the PCG expressed its condolences to the families affected by the incident.
Cayabyab assured that the operation is being carried out with utmost respect for those who died and their bereaved families.
As a precaution, the PCG also deployed oil spill booms, although no traces of oil or oil sheen were found in the sea.
