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700 people aboard sinking Philippine ferry

A ferry carrying over 700 passengers is sinking off the coast of the central Philippines after being battered by huge waves caused by Typhoon Fengshen.

"This is already a confirmed report," San Fernando mayor Nanette Tansingco said.

The MV Princess of the Star sent a distress signal late on Saturday (local time) from the area after Typhoon Fengshen lashed the nation leaving 19 people dead.

"I sent a speed boat to check on the report, and they saw the boat submerged with a hole in the hull," Ms Tansingco said.

"They saw the name Princess of the Star and there were at least four bodies there."

- AFP

- AFP

© AFP 2008

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Minister not surprised Wivenhoe accounts differ

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