World | Philippines
Boat carrying 21 people missing in Philippines
Rescue vessels and a helicopter are scouring the rough seas in the eastern Philippines for a fishing boat that disappeared with 21 people onboard.
- Agencies
- Published: 08:40 June 4, 2009
Manila: Rescue vessels and a helicopter are scouring the rough seas in the eastern Philippines for a fishing boat that disappeared with 21 people onboard.
Albay province disaster official Cedric Daep says the small boat left Cataduanes Island on Wednesday afternoon but failed to arrive at its destination in nearby Rapu-Rapu Island, a distance of about 25 miles.
The coast guard said that navy vessels and an air force helicopter launched a search Thursday as soon as the weather improved.
A radio report said the boat operator sent a cell phone text message to his relatives saying they encountered rough weather.
Monsoon rains have been pounding the main northern island of Luzon for days, causing waist-deep floods and canceling classes in the capital, Manila.
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