Ferry Boat Sinks in Southern Philippines; 7 Dead

September 21, 2012

The Philippine coast guard says a passenger boat sank in the country’s south. Seven people drowned and five are missing.

The boat was carrying 27 people when it went down before dawn Thursday near its destination of Bongao, the capital of Tawi Tawi province. The boat came from Sipangkot Island, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) away.

The coast guard says 15 people have been rescued and the search continues for five others still missing.

It wasn’t clear what caused the sinking. Monsoon rains and strong winds are buffeting large parts of the Philippines.