Philippine Ferry Capsizes; 55 Die
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CEBU CITY, Philippines — At least 55 people drowned when an overloaded ferry partially sank in heavy seas in the central Philippines, the coast guard reported Saturday. It said 77 people were rescued.
The coast guard said the 35-ton Balangiga was sailing from the Samar Island port of Giporlos to Tacloban on Leyte Island when it sank early Friday some 400 miles southeast of Manila after being buffeted by high winds and rough seas.
Rescue workers sawed through wreckage to free dozens of passengers trapped inside, officials said.
The vessel was authorized to carry 92 passengers and crew, according to the coast guard. There was no official word on whether all those aboard the ship had been accounted for.
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