Coast Guard: 48 survivors, 67 fatalities confirmed so far in sea mishap

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday said it has so far accounted for 115 of the 862 passengers and crew of the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars, nearly three days since the Sulpicio Lines vessel capsized off Romblon. This, as Balilo said the scope of the search and rescue operations for the missing ship's passengers and crew have been expanded to Marinduque and Mindoro. In a press briefing, Coast Guard spokesman Lieutenant Senior Grade Armand Balilo said 48 survivors have so far been confirmed, while 67 others were confirmed dead. The remaining passengers and crew are still unaccounted for and are considered missing. Balilo noted that some of the missing ship's passengers and crew have already contacted their relatives informing that they are safe and in good condition. The official also said authorities are still verifying reports from one of the divers that 15 bodies have been seen inside the ship's dining area and two others in the bridge. The 23,000-ton passenger ferry was carrying 724 passengers, 121 crew members and four sea marshals when it sailed off from Manila last Friday evening amidst stormy weather ahead, officials said Monday. The ship encountered engine trouble while sailing a few miles from the shorelines of Sibuyan Island in Romblon province Saturday before capsizes, apparently due to strong waves. - GMANews.TV