(Eagle News) — The death toll in Thursday’s incident that saw a ferry with hundreds on board capsizing in stormy weather off Quezon has increased to five, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said on Friday.
According to Romina Marasigan, NDRRMC spokesperson, of the five fatalities, four have been identified.
She said over 200 passengers and crew–252 to be exact—were plucked to safety after the Mercraft 3 keeled over in heavy seas en route to Polillo island.
“All accounted for na ang mga pasahero at crew,” she said.
The boat tipped over between the remote island of Polillo and Real town, about 70 kilometers (45 miles) east of Manila, shortly before noon (0400 GMT), the Coast Guard said.
It said the ferry was carrying 251 passengers and crew when it left the port of Real for Polillo, a 2.5-hour trip.
“We believe the weather was a big factor” in the accident, Coast Guard spokesman Armand Balilo told a news conference in Manila on Thursday.
The ferry sailed as Tropical Storm “Vinta” loomed over southern Philippines.
The vessel, which is licensed to carry up to 286 people, was allowed to sail as there were no storm warnings at or around Real or Polillo, Balilo said. (Agence France Presse)