Death toll of boat accidents in Philippines rises to 14

MANILA, Aug 4 — The death toll of the sinking of three ferry boats off the coast of central Philippine provinces of Iloilo and Guimaras on Saturday has risen to 14, a provincial disaster agency said.

In a report issued on Sunday, the Iloilo City disaster agency said search is continuing for at least 20 people still missing after three ferry boats capsized within three hours of each other during a storm on Saturday while travelling in the Iloilo-Guimaras Strait.

The report said all the three boats were buffeted by strong winds and big waves triggered by monsoon rains that affected the main Luzon island and Western Visayas region.

It was not clear how the boats were able to sail in the rough waters when all boat trips were supposed to be cancelled due to bad weather.

Monsoon rains have flooded streets in the Philippine capital and provinces on Luzon island and central Philippines, prompting authorities to suspend government office works and school classes.