Rescuers pulled more bodies from rough seas where 3 ferries capsized off a couple of central Philippine provinces, bringing the death toll to a total of 31 with 3 still missing.
The wooden-hulled motorised boats were carrying 96 crew and passengers when harsh weather conditions caused the ships to overturn off the central island of Iloilo and Guimaras provinces on Saturday, August 3.
According to Coast Guard spokesman Armand Balilo, the dead were mostly passengers from 2 ferryboats. A 3rd ferry, that was not carrying passengers, also capsized in Iloilo Strait, but its 5 crew survived. 62 other crew and passengers were rescued.
Survivors recounted the sky suddenly turning dark midway through the trip, followed by strong winds and rain which battered the ferries.
Work and classes have been suspended in Manila City amid heavy rains and flooding, that caused major traffic jams on Friday, August 2, in low-lying areas in the capital.