The Philippines are searching for the commander of a ferry that caught fire, causing the death of at least 35 people. There are still 54 people missing following the fire near Coron island, according to a provisional count.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident and searching for the ferry commander, who allegedly fled the scene after the fire started. The vessel was carrying an as yet unconfirmed number of passengers and crew.
The fire occurred near Coron island, a popular tourist region in the Philippines. Rescue operations are ongoing to find survivors and recover victims.
Philippine authorities are apologizing for the chaos in the initial rescue operations and have promised a full investigation into the incident.
