A boat carrying 173 passengers has capsized in the central Philippines, minutes after leaving port.
The local Coast Guard reported that at least 34 people have died, with 118 survivors, and 21 people still missing, according to CNN affiliate, CNN Philippines.
The vessel had departed Ormoc City, Leyte Province bound for Camotes Island, east of Cebu at around 12 p.m. local time on Thursday when the disaster occurred.
The boat, which was 27 meters long, was barely 200 meters from the shore line when it capsized, according to Philippine Coast Guard Lieutenant Christopher Ganet.
He said those who have been rescued are being taken to local hospitals in the area around Ormoc.
Heavy winds
Philippine National Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon told CNN he understood the boat overturned because of heavy winds.
He said Red Cross staff were on the pier in Ormoc assisting those who make it back to shore with blankets and meals.
Gwendolyn Pang, Secretary-General of the National Red Cross in Manila, described the vessel as a commercial “pump boat” or banka, which is essentially a canoe-style craft with outriggers and powered by a small engine. They’re widely used across the Philippines for transporting people and goods, as well as for fishing.
