Death Toll in Philippine Ferry Accident at 34

Rescue workers have recovered at least 25 more bodies of people killed when a ferry sank in rough waters in the Philippines, bringing the death toll to 34.

The bodies were discovered Friday and Saturday off Sagay City on Negros Island. A total of 657 people have been rescued, and officials Saturday also said the sunken ferry was found in shallow water.

The MV Asia South Korea left Cebu City late Wednesday for a 187-mile trip to Iloilio City and sank Thursday near Bantayan Island on the northern tip of Cebu Island.

Because officials believe that the ferry was carrying more than its maximum of 614 passengers, it was unclear how many people were actually on board and how many might still be missing.

Rescue ships continued Saturday to scour the area, about 300 miles southeast of Manila, to search for survivors, Regional Coast Guard Commodore Herby Escutin said.

In Manila, Coast Guard spokesman Cmdr. Ramon Liwag said the ferry’s chief mate told investigators that two loud bangs were heard below the engine room before the lights in the ferry went out early Thursday.

The captain immediately ordered the distribution of life vests and the launching of life rafts. Moments later, the crew reported that water was rushing quickly into the hull, causing the ship to list, he said.

Another crew member said the vessel struck a rock after entering shallow waters, punching a hole in the ship’s hull and flooding the engine and generator.