Casualties feared as ferry sinks off Quezon province
The Philippine Coast Guard said that it is verifying reports of casualties of the vessel that sunk in Quezon waters on Thursday morning, Dec. 21, 2017. Google Maps
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard is verifying the number of casualties of the ferry carrying 251 passengers that sunk in the waters off Quezon province on Thursday morning.
According to Coast Guard spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo, they received a report as early as 11:12 a.m. of a "Mercraft 3" vessel that capsized in "at the vicinity waters between Dinahican Quezon and Polilo Island."
"There are no figures yet on how many were rescued or casualties, I just heard that there are casualties," Balilio told reporters.
"What is sure is that there are six rescue units, including the [Philippine] Navy, private sector, and the PCG," Balilo added.
The vessel has a maximum capacity of carrying 286 passengers.
.@PhilCoastGuard1 spox Balilo said at 11:12 a.m. they received a report of a ship carrying 251 passengers that is reportedly sinking between Dinahican, Quezon and Polilio Island.@PhilippineStar
— evelynzmacairan (@EZMacairan) December 21, 2017
It departed Ungos Port, and was en route to Polilo island.
Balilo said that there is a "big possibility" that the severe weather brought by tropical storm Vinta caused the sinking of the boat. — with report from Evelyn Macairan
This is a developing story.
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