Boat capsizes in Philippines, 14 dead, 65 rescued

MANILA, Nov 26 (Reuters) Rescue teams were searching today for at least 15 people still missing after a ferry carrying 300 sacks of cement capsized off the southern Philippines killing 14 people and forcing dozens overboard.

The Leonida II sank on Saturday afternoon when it ran into rough waters after leaving Surigao City en route to Siargao Island, a tear-drop shaped surfing haven about 800 kilometers southeast of Manila, disaster officials said.

Passing boats plucked 65 survivors from the sea but there was confusion over how many more people had been on board. A passenger list showed only 48 names, including a local mayor, who was still unaccounted for, and a group of high school pupils.

The wooden-hulled vessel had capacity for 150 people.

''We have no idea how many people were actually on the boat,'' said Blance Gobenchiong, a regional director of the office of civil defence, adding that many travellers jump on board after inspection by the coast guard.

Ferries of all descriptions ply the waters between the Philippines' 7,000-plus islands and safety standards are often lax.

Overcrowding is a common problem.

''Our search and rescue operations were still ongoing but we need more volunteers to look for survivors and equipment to reach the wreckage at 300 metres under water,'' Surigao City mayor Alfonso Casurra said.

One survivor told local radio that the boat's captain lost control when large waves snapped one of the vessel's wooden outriggers. People started jumping as water flooded the deck.

REUTERS BDP PM1348