MANILA - THIRTY-NINE people died on Tuesday when a ferry capsized in the central Philippines, the local police chief said.
The ferry, with 119 people on board was overturned by a freak wind off the island of Masbate, according to Senior Superintendent Ruben Sindac.
Emergency workers have so far rescued 76 people and are continuing to search for at least another 14 who remain unaccounted for, amid fears that more people could have been aboard the craft.
'The Don Dexter Kathleen capsized due to a freak accident, it was hit by a high wind despite fair weather and calm waters,' Superintendent Sindac told local radio.
He said they had recovered 39 bodies and 76 survivors had been pulled from the water.
'We are still looking for 14 people,' he said.
The ferry was just 20 minutes into its voyage when it capsized, the police official said.
The ferry had 119 passengers and crew on its manifest when it capsized, said Superindent Sindac but he would not rule out the possibility that there may have been more aboard.
Navy, coast guard and local authorities were continuing to search the area between Masbate and Luzon island, he added. -- AFP
