tag-reuters (6)
The MV Maharlika 2 is pictured while undergoing repairs near Lipata Port in Surigao city in southern Philippines in this December 17, 2013 file photo. The ferry, MV Maharlika 2, with at least 84 passengers and crew onboard sank on September 13, 2014 off the coast of central Philippines after a mechanical problem, and authorities said they were searching for at least 21 passengers who were still missing. Picture taken Dec. 17, 2013. Reuters/Stringer

A ferry carrying at least 84 people sank in rough seas off southern Leyte Island in the Philippines late Saturday, Gov. Roger Mercado said. Rappler reported the M/V Maharlika II capsized off San Ricardo about 7 p.m., local time, as it was headed to Surigao from Liloan. No travel advisory had been issued but monsoon conditions were reported.

As of midnight, the Philippine Red Cross said 28 had been reported rescued. The Associated Press reported put the number of rescued at 34. Agence France-Presse said more than 100 had been rescued. Reuters reported two dead and 102 rescued.

"There is a huge discrepancy between the manifest and the actual number of people rescued," a coast guard official told AFP. AP reported the ferry was carrying 58 passengers and 25 crewmen when it started listing in choppy waters.

"Based on our initial report, two people died and 102 others were rescued by three vessels, including two foreign commercial ships," Cmdr. Armand Balilo told reporters.

"We are not sure how many are still missing because it now appears there were more people on board."

"Rescue boats had trouble reaching them because the waves were really huge," Mina Marasigan, spokeswoman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, told AFP.

InterAksyon.com reported the ferry reported steering problems as it was buffeted by Typhoon Kalmaegi.

RELATED STORIES