At least 40 dead as Philippine ferry overturns
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Tuesday, November 04, 2008
A ferry packed with commuters capsized, while being buffeted by severe monsoon winds and waves southeast of Manila, killing at least 40 people.
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Sodusta, the regional army commander, reported 76 people were rescued and taken to two hospitals for treatment. He said 39 bodies have been recovered, including 11 children.
The M/L Don Dexter Cathlyn was know to have listed 119 passengers and a crew of six on board, though ferries often carry more people than are officially listed.
"We brought the dead to the plaza", said police senior inspector of Dimasalang town, about 3 miles from the accident site. The bodies were lined up and covered, with people checking them for missing loved ones.
The Masbate provincial police chief told Manila radio station DZBB that the ferry began sailing in relatively clear weather, but it was battered shortly after leaving port in central Masbate island for nearby Sorsogon province.
A local police officer, who helped in the rescue, said huge waves and strong monsoon winds suddenly hit the boat, causing it to capsize and throw its passengers into the sea.
"There was some kind of whirlwind", the Masbate provincial police chief told reporters. "There was no rain, no typhoon; the waters were calm when it happened.
"M/L Don Dexter Cathlyn was not passenger-friendly", he said. "There were high railings and tarpaulin on the side so when the vessel overturned, these may have caused the passengers to become trapped."
Accidents such as this frequently happen in the Philippine archipelago due to tropical weather, poor enforcement of safety regulations and badly maintained passenger boats.