10 dead in ferry sinking

10 dead in ferry sinking

MANILA (AP): Strong winds and huge waves overturned an inter- island ferry in the central Philippines before dawn yesterday, killing at least 10 people and leaving 47 others missing, the Philippine coast guard said.

Lt. Cmdr. Crisolito Agustin, regional coast guard chief, said the 485-ton Kalibo Star left Cebu late Thursday on its way to nearby Tacloban city on Leyte island when it sank at about 2 a.m. yesterday (1 a.m. Jakarta time).

Agustin quoted survivors as saying a strong wind forced the boat on its side and a series of big waves sank the vessel hours later as it rounded the northern tip of Leyte island and the nearby islet of Maripipi.

He said at least 32 of the 88 passengers and 34 of the 35 crew members were picked up by passing ships and navy rescue vessels.