More Than 20 Dead As Boat Capsizes Near Philippine

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is engaged in a race against time to rescue more passengers from a vessel that capsized near Manila due to strong winds on Thursday, resulting in the loss of at least 25 lives, according to officials. The exact number of people on board remains unknown, but Neil Ferrer, a disaster official, revealed that 40 individuals have been saved so far, and efforts to locate six missing persons are ongoing. Distressing video footage circulated by the PCG shows coast guard members pulling a lifeless body, possibly that of a woman without a life vest, from turbulent waters as they conducted search and rescue operations. The incident occurred in Binangonan, a coastal town located just two hours drive away from Manila.

The boat was hit by strong winds when it was about 45 meters (147 feet) away from land. Consequently, all passengers panicked and shifted to one side, causing the vessel to capsize. The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, recently experienced the onslaught of Typhoon Doksuri, which brought wind speeds of up to 175 km per hour (108 miles per hour) to Luzon island, its most populated region. Following the departure of the typhoon, select ferries and boats were permitted to resume sailing operations.

Unfortunately, the country has a dismal track record when it comes to maritime safety, often witnessing overcrowding on vessels and the continued use of aging ships. In the ongoing rescue efforts, the PCG is relentlessly striving to save more lives amidst challenging circumstances.

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