At least 38 dead as Philippine ferry capsizes

A ferry loaded with nearly 200 people capsized off a central Philippine port on Thursday, officials said, killing at least 38 people in the latest of the country’s long string of maritime tragedies. Up to 33 people are missing after the 33-tonne, wooden-hulled Kim Nirvana tipped over shortly after setting sail from Ormoc city at midday, the coast guard said. Vegetable trader Reynante Manza, 45, cried as he recounted how the 33-tonne vessel suddenly rolled to one side as it reversed course shortly after backing out of the pier of Ormoc, pulling down his wife and many others under the water.

It rolled while attempting to turn around swiftly. I am alive because I jumped overboard as soon as it happened.

Reynante Manza

Rescuers pulled 118 survivors from the sea and continue to scour the deep waters where the accident happened, said Philippine National Red Cross chief Richard Gordon told AFP. Gordon put the toll at 38 dead and 33 missing, citing the latest figures from rescuers on the scene.

Asia-Pacific Philippines