Philippines: At least 2 dead, 4 missing after ferry boat capsize

[News_Editor]

LEGAZPI CITY, PHILIPPINES (BNO NEWS) -- At least two people were confirmed dead and a number of others missing after a ferry boat capsized in central-north Philippines, local authorities said Friday.

The incident occurred early Friday morning at around 5:30 a.m. local time when the ferry both sank off Burias Island in the central Philippine province of Masbate.

The ill-fated MV Lady Mount Carmel was carrying around 60 people, including 22 crew members. However, among those rescued were seven people not documented on board, which could increase the actual number of missing people.

Search-and-rescue operations were conducted by thePhilippine Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force, as well as other nearby vessels responding to the distress call. As of 5 p.m. local time, 55 people were rescued, two were confirmed dead, and four missing, Bernardo Alejandro, Office of Civil Defense chief in Bicol province told Inquirer News.

The cargo ferry boat took off from the town of Pio Duran in Albay province at 2 a.m. local time with 57 people aboardâ35 passengers (20 women and 15 men) and 22 crew members.

The exact cause of the sinking was not immediately known, but Albay Governor Joey Salceda said information indicated that one of the buses loaded on the ferry was not properly tied and came loose. As a result, it slid to one side, causing the boat to lose balance and ultimately sink.

(Copyright 2013 by BNO News B.V. All rights reserved. Info: [email protected].)