The death toll from a ferry accident off the Philippine capital Manila has risen to 25 as rescue craft hunt for any survivors.
A motorised passenger and cargo launch and a steel-hulled ferry collided at the mouth of Manila Bay just before noon yesterday. The impact sank the smaller, wooden boat while passengers on both vessels were thrown into the sea.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said she was angry to learn that not everyone on the launch had been on the passenger list.
Defence Secretary Angelo Reyes said 203 people had been rescued but it was possible that not all those on board the launch had been accounted for.
Mr Reyes said 192 people were on the official manifest with estimates of around 36 who were not listed.
The Philippines is a archipelago of more than 7,000 islands and the scene of frequent ferry accidents.