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.