Philippine Ferry Fire Claims 31 Lives and Leaves Passengers Missing

At least 29 people were killed and seven others remain missing after a ferry caught fire while travelling from Zamboanga city to Jolo town in Sulu province. The M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 was carrying over 250 passengers when the blaze broke out, causing many to jump into the sea without life jackets. The coast guard discovered the bodies of 18 passengers, including an adult clutching a child, on the uppermost open-air economy deck and another floor below. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and officials are investigating whether the ferry was seaworthy and if the crew properly guided passengers to safety.