The recovery operations and investigation of joint authorities aboard the MV June Aster are ongoing, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Monday, September 14.

In an update, PCG Spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab revealed that response teams have fully accessed and searched the bridge, crew accommodation, economy passenger accommodation, and air-conditioned passenger accommodation areas of the vessel.

Moreover, a secondary sweep will be conducted to ensure the recovery of any remaining evidence and other materials relevant to the investigation.

Approximately 65% of the cargo hold has also been penetrated.

Joint authorities have been siphoning water from the vessel’s engine room since September 12. The PCG noted that oily water mixtures removed from the engine have been transferred into 13 drums for proper handling.

“We have also 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.

The agency will provide a legal team to provide legal assistance on matters involving claims and assistance for the victims and bereaved families.

Cayabyab also stated that no bodies were recovered on Monday, leaving the death toll at 76, with 43 survivors and 13 still missing.