Four perish, 11 go missing as ferry capsizes off Philippines

MANILA, Dec 21 (AFP): Four people were killed and 11 others were missing Thursday after a ferry with hundreds on board capsized in stormy weather off the Philippines, rescuers said.

Over 200 passengers and crew were plucked to safety after the Mercraft 3 keeled over in heavy seas en route to a remote island, officials said.

"The wind suddenly picked up and the boat was forced to stop when the bow started taking in water. Passengers ran to the side just before it tipped over," student Donel Mendiola told DZMM radio.

"Some of us swam, but I saw some old people who were apparently already dead," Mendiola said.

Two men and two women were killed, while the search for those still missing has been suspended for the night, Ron Crisostomo, a civil defence official in Infanta town near Real told AFP.

"It was rainy and the wind was up. It was no longer safe for the rescuers, but they will continue tomorrow," Crisostomo said.

Janet Balili, a local council member, told ABS-CBN television 11 people remain missing.

The station aired footage of rescuers taking injured survivors to a hospital. Four body bags were also seen being laid out on the floor.