Lost Philippine ferry found in RI seas

Lost Philippine ferry found in RI seas

PHILIPPINES: A Philippine passenger ferry, missing since earlier this week, was found in Indonesian waters with all 57 people aboard safe, a military spokesman said on Saturday.

Col. Fredesvindo Covarrubias said the motor launch named Rubian has been recovered off Kabakan island in Indonesia's east Kalimantan region.

"We are closely coordinating with the Indonesian government for the safe return of the Filipinos and the ferry," he said.

"All the passengers and crew were safe and sound."

Covarrubias said the ferry had left Sinumul island in Tawi- Tawi province, 1,110 kilometers south of Manila, en route to the nearby island of Sibuto on Tuesday.

"The ferry did not reach its destination after its propeller broke," he said. "It apparently drifted in the sea."

-- DPA