Ferry sinks after collision in Philippines; 5 dead

[TexasTowelie]

Source: AP

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A ferry with nearly 700 people aboard sank near the central Philippine port of Cebu on Friday night after colliding with a cargo vessel, killing at least five people. Hundreds of others were rescued.

The captain of the ferry MV Thomas Aquinas ordered the ship abandoned after it began listing and then sank after hitting the cargo vessel, coast guard officer Joy Villegas said.

She said at least five people were confirmed dead, more than 250 rescued and authorities were still checking the number of others who had been taken to hospitals.

Two coast guard vessels and other nearby ships were involved in the rescue operation not far from the port of Cebu, Villegas said.

Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/world/article/Ferry-sinks-after-collision-in-Philippines-5-dead-4737733.php

[clarice]

1. How about some GOOD news? nt

[TexasTowelie]

2. It may not qualify as news, but here is a great tidbit about someone that made a mark in my life.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/107811253

Unfortunately, bad news stories tend to dominate the headlines because they generate the most reader interest.

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. Cebu sea mishap death toll rises to 31; 172 still missing

A total of 31 people have been confirmed killed in the collision of a passenger ship and a cargo vessel near the seaport in Talisay City, Cebu province, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Saturday afternoon.

In its updated posted on its website (www.coastguard.gov.ph), the PCG said 172 passengers of MV St. Thomas Aquinas remained missing and 629 more have been rescued as of 2 p.m.
...
The Philippine Navy, meanwhile, said that the rescue operations have been temporarly halted due to rough seas in the area.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/08/17/1101461/cebu-sea-mishap-death-toll-rises-31-172-still-missing

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. Divers recover 13 more bodies from sunken ferry; death toll now 58 and 68 still missing

DIVERS retrieved 13 more bodies from the sunken MV Thomas Aquinas 1 on Monday before deciding to temporarily suspend the search and retrieval operations owing to strong currents and big waves.

LCmdr. Gregory Fabic, Navy spokesman, said nine bodies were lifted from the wreck of the passenger ferry, off Talisay, Cebu, by technical divers.

Four others bodies, including that of a child, were also recovered by other rescuers, including civilian volunteers and Coast Guard personnel.

With the latest recovery, Fabic said the death toll in the sea tragedy has reached 58, with 68 others still missing.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/18213-divers-recover-13-more-bodies-from-sunken-ferry-death-toll-now-58-and-68-still-missing

[TexasTowelie]

5. Thanks for the update. nt