Ferry tragedy kills 38 in Philippines

A ferry loaded with nearly 200 people capsized off a central Philippine port on yesterday, officials said, killing at least 38 people in the latest of the country's long string of maritime tragedies.

Around 27 people are still missing after the 33-tonne, wooden-hulled Kim Nirvana tipped over shortly after setting sail from Ormoc city at midday, the coast guard said.

Ormoc public safety officer Goody Edcas said that at least 125 survivors had now been found out of the 189 passengers and crew on board, adding that finding more survivors were unlikely.

A survivor of the ferry tragedy cries after arriving at the pier in Ormoc City, central Philippines. Photo: AFP

The authorities were puzzled how the accident had happened in relatively calm waters, after initial reports of choppy seas, and discounted speculation that the ferry was overloaded.

The captain of the boat survived the incident and will be investigated, officials said.

The Kim Nirvana was on its normal route to the islands, which sit about an hour's sail from Ormoc city.