Seven dead after boats capsize in the Philippines

Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard said on Saturday that at least seven people were killed after two ferry boats sank in the central Philippines.

The incident occurred in the Iloiloi-Guimaras strait. Authorities said 13 people remain missing.

The dead include six women and a man, the coast guard said, adding more than 40 people have been rescued.

The coast guard said the boats, Che-Che and Keziah, were transiting Farola Wharf in Iloilo to Jordan Wharf in Guimaras when they were battered by sudden strong winds and sank.

A total of 51 persons were on both vessels, the initial report showed. Che-Che was carrying 43 passengers and four crew members while motorboat Keziah only had four crew members onboard.

Search and rescue operations are underway.