A ferry fire in the Philippines has left dozens of people dead after the vessel caught fire while traveling between islands.

Rescue crews recovered additional bodies as authorities continued searching the burned-out ferry.

Several passengers were rescued, but the exact number of people aboard remained unclear as officials worked to account for everyone.

Investigators are examining what caused the fire and why it spread so quickly through the vessel, NBC News has reported.

The disaster has prompted renewed concerns about ferry safety and emergency procedures in the Philippines.