Scores killed as Philippines boat capsizes

Manila: A motorboat capsized in high seas in northern Philippines killing at least 23, with 26 others missing, officials said on Monday.

Rescue teams including coast guard, navy and air force troops, were looking for any survivors, Melchito Castro, the regional director of the government's disaster coordinating body told reporters

Nearly 50 people survived the accident, coast guard commander Wilfredo Tamayo said. Some were rescued by fishermen from northern Cagayan province, he added.

The boat failed to arrive at Aparri town in the Cagayan province after leaving Calayan island on Sunday morning.

"It was because of strong currents between Calayan and Aparri,", Castro said.

Gale warnings were dispatched to coastal towns prior to the ferry sinking, Castro said, as tropical storm Dolphin entered Philippine territory.

The weather bureau did not expect the storm to hit land.