Ferry capsizes in the Philippines with 251 passengers on board

[Chris Duffy 1,257]

Philippine coast guard officials and fishermen were trying to rescue more than 200 people on an ferry which capsized in stormy seas. 

The rescue was launched today after the passenger vessel Mercraft 3 reportedly began sinking between Quezon province’s Infanta town and the ferry’s destination, Polillo island, a coast guard spokesman said.

Officials said the ferry, which was carrying 251 people, had been lashed by strong waves.

 

The coast guard is co-ordinating with the military for the possible deployment of air force helicopters and navy ships to help in the rescue, the spokesman added.

 

National radio reported that four people had died and 140 were saved, but the coast guard were unable to confirm this.  

“We heard about casualties, but we are still trying to get a complete picture,” said spokesman Armand Balilo.

 

Rescue operations were hampered by heavy rain and huge waves caused by a tropical storm affecting the southern Philippines.

Mr Balilo said a distress call had been issued before noon after the ferry capsized about nine miles off the coast.

“There is a big possibility the accident was caused by the bad weather,” he said

 

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/ferry-capsizes-in-the-philippines-with-251-passengers-on-board-a3724721.html

[Chris Duffy 1,257]

Update - 5 dead.

 

http://cnnphilippines.com/incoming/2017/12/22/five-casualties-Quezon-sunken-vessel-Mercraft.html

[X Factor 1,111]

So sad