Typhoon Fengshen deaths rising in the Phillipines

[malaise]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7467696.stm
<snip>
Fears are growing for more than 700 people on board a ferry which has capsized in the central Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Fengshen.

A rescue ship that managed to reach the vessel more than 24 hours after it lost radio contact reported no sign of life.

There are only four known survivors - one told local media that passengers had just minutes to abandon ship.

The Red Cross estimates some 155 people have died across the country in floods and landslides caused by the storm.
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What the hell was ferry doing in the middle of a typhoon?

[kdmorris]

1. OMG!!!

I really don't know why a ferry is out in the middle of a typhoon. Imagine how terrifying that was, right before they died. :cry:

[malaise]

2. I don't want to think about that

Too frightening. Still who ever operated that ferry in the middle of a typhoon should be locked up.

<snip>
There is some confusion over the number of people on board. The ship's list states it was carrying 626 passengers and 121 crew. Local reports put the figure as high as 820, including more than 50 children.

The Philippine President, Gloria Arroyo, has demanded an explanation as to why the ferry was allowed to leave port on Friday despite warnings that a typhoon was about to hit.

"Why did you allow it to sail and why was there no ample warning? I want answers," she told civil defence and coast guard authorities during a briefing on the accident.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7467696.stm

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