Seven passengers onboard the burned vessel M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 in Basilan are still missing, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Friday, March 31.

In its latest update as of 1 pm, PCG also reported that the death toll remains at 29 with 11 individuals passed away after getting drowned in the sea and 18 unidentified others burned to death.

About 252 individuals were affected — 205 passengers, 35 crew members, 8 Army personnel, and 4 PCG personnel.

The Coast Guard said its search and rescue/retrieval (SAR) operations for the missing passengers continue.

Meanwhile, PCG also reported that the sea yielded negative results in its oil spill assessment.

The M/V Mary Joy 3 plying Jolo, Sulu, caught fire in waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan on Wednesday evening, March 28.

Authroities has yet to determine the cause of the fire.