At least seven people died and around 100 were rescued Monday (May 23) in the Philippines after a ferry fire forced passengers to jump overboard, coast guards and witnesses said.
The fire broke out on the Mercraft 2 while it was transporting 124 passengers from Polillo Island to Real, in the province of Quezon, on the main island of Luzon.
Seven people died and 120 were rescued, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Armando Balilo said.
A total of 134 passengers and crew were on board.
Search operations to find survivors are underway.