4 killed after Philippine boat sinks, 18 missing

Manila, July 12: Four people were killed and 18 still missing after a boat sank off the central Philippines today, the coastguard said.

Six passengers were rescued from the boat, which capsized at around 0300 [0030 IST] off Quezon province, Lieutenant Armand Balilo said. The reason for the sinking was not clear.

Separately, a passenger ferry ran aground off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao today. All passengers were rescued, Balilo said.

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.

Reuters>