Boat capcises in Philippines, Hundreds missing in Tornado

Manila, June 22 : More than seven hundred people on board a ferry are feared killed which has capsized in the Typhoon Fengshen in Philippines.

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

Reports from the Philippines say that hundreds of people are missing after a passenger ferry capcised after caught in a typhoon. Local officials say the ship ran aground when its engine failed.

After battling heavy seas the coast guard vessels finally reached the site of disaster this afternoon. But apart from the three survivors who were found ashore close to where the ferry went down there were no other signs of life.

Villagers in the nearby island also reported finding four bodies, Children's foot wear and life jackets were also washed ashore. The ship had been out of radio contact for more than 24 hours and gale winds are hampering rescue efforts. They also said four bodies had been recovered.

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

The 23,924- tonne ferroy, the Princess of the Stars has a passenger capacity of one thousand nine hundred and ninety two. Confusion prevails over the number of people on board the ill-fated ship.

ANI