Death toll in C. Philippine ship collision climbs to 24

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>> At least 24 killed in C. Philippine ship collision

Death toll in the collision of two ships off central Philippine province of Cebu rose to 24 while 217 passengers were still missing, 629 others were rescued, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Saturday.

The latest report was as of 8:00 a.m. as authorities continue the search and rescue operation after passenger vessel MV St. Thomas Aquianas and cargo ship Sulpicio Express 7 collided off Lawis Ledge, Talisay City shortly after 9 p.m.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council ( NDRRMC) said that the passenger vessel, which came from the southern city of Butuan and was bound for Cebu City, sank immediately after the incident.

On the other hand, all the 38 crew of the cargo vessel bound for Davao City were "all safe and accounted for," the state agency said.

Some of the rescued passengers who were hurt were being treated in nearby hospitals, while dead victims were brought to a Cebu City port for proper identification.

Formal maritime inquiry was yet to be called to determine the cause of the accident.

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