At least 35 people are dead and dozens remain missing after a devastating fire tore through a passenger ferry traveling to one of the Philippines’ most popular tourist destinations.

The death toll climbed sharply Friday, Sept. 11, after rescuers discovered 30 more bodies inside the burned-out June Aster, two days after the blaze first erupted.

Authorities said 43 people were rescued, while at least 54 others remain missing.

The ferry was carrying 134 people from Manila to Coron, a popular island destination in Palawan Province, when the fire broke out around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9.

The blaze spread rapidly through the vessel and continued burning for nearly two days.

It was not until around 10:15 a.m. Friday that the Philippine Coast Guard announced the fire had finally been extinguished.

Once crews were able to enter the badly damaged ferry, they found what authorities described as “burnt remains” in the economy section.

Thirty bodies were recovered there, bringing the confirmed death toll to at least 35.

Commodore Noemi Cayabyab of the Philippine Coast Guard said recovery efforts were being handled with respect for the victims and their families.

“We recognize the grief of the families affected by this tragic incident,” she said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Among those still missing is 29-year-old Joana Indic, who was pregnant and traveling with her father and husband to attend her mother’s funeral.

Her father, 60-year-old Benjamin Indic, survived the disaster.

Joana’s husband, Domingo Suner Jr., was rescued but remains in critical condition at a hospital.

Benjamin told The New York Times that he had been transporting his wife’s body back to Coron for burial when the fire broke out.

He believes her casket was destroyed in the blaze.

The disappearance of his daughter has made the tragedy even more devastating.

“When my wife died in Manila, I let go of the pain and did not carry it back with me to Palawan,” he said. “But now with this fire, it has happened to us all over again.”

He added that he still had not been able to find Joana.

Search and recovery operations remain underway as families wait for news about their missing loved ones.

Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., the company that owns the vessel, released a statement expressing sympathy to the passengers, crew and families affected.

The company said it had mobilized all available resources and was working around the clock to respond to the disaster.