3 killed, 110 rescued in sinking of ferry near Southern Leyte

MANILA, Philippines – The death toll in the sinking of MV Maharlika II, an inter-island ferry, near Southern Leyte, rose to three on Sunday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

Jojie Barbaza, PCG Public Affairs Office chief, said that as of Sunday 10 a.m., there were three fatalities, three missing and 110 survivors.

“According to the account of Ship Captain Juan Cayago, they were carrying 85 passengers and 31 crew for a total of 116 persons. Based on the Captain’s statement, SAR (search and rescue) units are still looking for the 3 unaccounted passengers,” she told INQUIRER.net.

Two people were rescued by MV Filipinas Maasin, one with MT Orient King, 54 with MT St. Martin, 34 with MV Maharlika 4, and 19 with MV Lara venture

Barbaza said the passenger manifest of the ship listed only 58 passengers and 26 crew members.

Earlier reports by Inquirer said Maharlika left Surigao city on Saturday noon and sent a distress call three hours later because of engine problems.

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