July 12: 12 people got killed and other 100 went missing when today an inter island passenger ferry sank in Sibuyan Sea off South-East Philippines coast while sailing to island of Masbate.
Almost 256 people were on board the ferry along with 14 vehicles which were mostly trucks.
Military official, Lieutenant Colonel Rhoderick Parayno told that almost 129 people have been saved and other 115 are also expected to be safe though not reported till yet. However, bad weather intervened in the rescue efforts again and again.
Ill fated vessel became a victim of bad weather and was hard hit by huge waves and strong winds. It was heading for shelter before sinking. Survivors see storm as the reason behind the sinking of the vessel.
Rhoderick Parayano said that captain of the ship, Virgillo Retardo wanted to go to a safe place off town San Francisco. Tilt of the ship was caused by its collision with a huge rock. Heavy-weight vehicles moved to one side and played a role in sinking of the vehicle.
Captain of the ship could not tell the exact number of missing people. Confusion prevailed as manifest number of the passengers listed was only 28. Coast guard Commander Eli Tumulac also accepted confusion regarding the number of the people on board.
Some cite storm behind the unhappy phenomenon but some count on the overloading of the ship as ferries are important mode of transport in Philippines so the complete list of the passengers is not available.
Town official informed that military, rural health workers are on vigil on the sea shore to find out if there is any fatality.
Storm was not typhoon as was suspected by some. Town official said that during this season strong winds often sail. Head of the city Lucena coast guard said that area did not have any sign of tropical depression.
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