RP ship sinks, 92 rescued

RP ship sinks, 92 rescued

CEBU, Philippines (Reuters): Passing vessels and the coastguard rescued 92 passengers and crew of a Philippine ship that sank in bad weather on Friday but officials said four people were missing, including a five-year-old boy.

The ship, the MV Don Martin Senior V, sank near Bantayan island, 490 km south of Manila, said coastguard officer Felixberto Regodo. The vessel is owned by local firm Palacio Shipping Inc.

The cause of the accident could not be immediately determined but the area has been lashed by rain and strong winds from a tropical depression. The coastguard said the ship had sent a distress signal early on Friday because it was taking on water.

"The area was really rough at that time due to heavy winds and rain," Regodo said, adding that the rescued passengers and crew were taken to Bantayan in the central Philippines.