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Philippine ferry sinking kills 39 Philippine ferry sinking kills 39
(41 minutes later)
A ferry has capsized in the central Philippines, leaving 39 people dead, police have said. A ferry has capsized during a freak storm in the central Philippines, leaving 39 people dead, police say.
The inter-island ferry with about 100 people on board was overturned in strong winds off the island of Masbate, south-east of the capital, Manila. The inter-island ferry carrying over 100 commuters overturned in strong winds off the island of Masbate, south-east of the capital, Manila.
Dozens of survivors have been found, and coast guard personnel and fishermen were helping to search for more. Officials say 76 people have been rescued, and a search is under way between Masbate and Luzon islands.
The ferry had been sailing for about 20 minutes in clear weather when a sudden gust caused it to overturn. The ferry had been sailing for about 20 minutes in clear weather when a sudden gust caused it to keel over.
Maritime accidents are common in the Philippine archipelago, mostly due to badly maintained passenger boats and weak enforcement of safety regulations. "The Don Dexter Kathleen capsized due to a freak accident," AFP news agency quoted senior police superintendent Ruben Sindac as saying. "It was hit by a high wind despite fair weather and calm waters."
The ferry had 119 passengers and crew on its manifest, but Superintendent Sindac said he would not rule out the possibility that more people were on board.
Maritime accidents are common in the Philippine archipelago due to tropical weather, badly maintained passenger boats and weak enforcement of safety regulations.