Fears are growing for more than 700 passengers on a ferry which officials say has capsized off the Philippines in the wake of a typhoon.
Fears are growing for more than 700 passengers on a ferry which officials say has capsized off the Philippines in the wake of a typhoon.
Four bodies washed up on shore on the Sibuyan island in the central Philippines, officials said.
Four bodies washed up on shore on the Sibuyan island in the central Philippines, officials said.
Some reports say the MV Princess of Stars, which had become stranded in heavy seas, has sunk.
Some reports say the MV Princess of Stars, which had become stranded in heavy seas, has sunk.
Typhoon Fengshen has caused flash floods and landslides, killed at least 69 people elsewhere in the Philippines.
Typhoon Fengshen has caused flash floods and landslides, killed at least 69 people elsewhere in the Philippines.
There were many plastic slippers of children also found floating on the shore but no survivors Nanette TansingcoSan Fernando mayor
There were many plastic slippers of children also found floating on the shore but no survivors Nanette TansingcoSan Fernando mayor
Coastguard officials said the ferry's engine failed on Saturday afternoon and the vessel then ran aground several kilometres off Sibuyan.
Coastguard officials said the ferry's engine failed on Saturday afternoon and the vessel then ran aground several kilometres off Sibuyan.
Heavy seas and gale force winds are hampering rescue efforts and radio communication with the ship has been lost.
Heavy seas and gale force winds are hampering rescue efforts and radio communication with the ship has been lost.
A mayor of San Fernando, a coastal town on Sibuyan, said that four bodies were washed ashore on Sunday, including a man and a woman that had been tied together.
A mayor of San Fernando, a coastal town on Sibuyan, said that four bodies were washed ashore on Sunday, including a man and a woman that had been tied together.
"There were many plastic slippers of children also found floating on the shore but no survivors," said Nanette Tansingco.
"There were many plastic slippers of children also found floating on the shore but no survivors," said Nanette Tansingco.
Burst river
Burst river
In Iloilo, a central province, Governor Neil Tupaz said 59 people had been killed.
In Iloilo, a central province, Governor Neil Tupaz said 59 people had been killed.
"Iloilo is like an ocean. This is the worst disaster we have had in our history," he told local radio.
"Iloilo is like an ocean. This is the worst disaster we have had in our history," he told local radio.
Thousands of people were evacuated from the path of the typhoon.
Thousands of people were evacuated from the path of the typhoon.
Gusts of up to 170kph (106mph) have caused much damage in southern and central areas. Many roads are blocked and there are widespread power cuts.
Gusts of up to 170kph (106mph) have caused much damage in southern and central areas. Many roads are blocked and there are widespread power cuts.
Domestic flights to central regions have been cancelled and inter-island ferry services halted, officials say.
Domestic flights to central regions have been cancelled and inter-island ferry services halted, officials say.
Ten people drowned after a river burst its banks and swept away houses in southern Maguindanao province. Several other people were reported missing by the local authorities.
Ten people drowned after a river burst its banks and swept away houses in southern Maguindanao province. Several other people were reported missing by the local authorities.
A landslide has also buried several houses in Cotabato city, also in the south, killing at least two people, officials said.
A landslide has also buried several houses in Cotabato city, also in the south, killing at least two people, officials said.
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Emergency teams rescue those trapped by flood waters
Emergency teams rescue those trapped by flood waters
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