The death toll in the Philippine ferry fire off Basilan province has risen to 31, and two people are still missing.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has announced that the death toll from the passenger ferry fire off Basilan province on 29 March has risen to 31 people. Three more bodies were recovered in the last few days, with two more people remaining missing. The PCG is continuing its search and rescue efforts. The vessel had been carrying 205 passengers, including 20 Army personnel, and a total of 249 people including crew and PCG and Army personnel were on board. The tragedy occurred when an explosion in the ferry’s engine room spread quickly through the vessel, putting many crew and passengers at risk.