At least 100 people have been rescued, and two confirmed dead, after a ferry sank in bad weather in the central Philippines.
The ferry lost its steering and was hit by huge waves in waters off the central Philippines.
However, the Maharlika II only had 84 people listed as being on board, so authorities cannot say how many more may be missing.
Officials says the Maharlika 2 lost control in bad weather and was carried away by the current and massive waves, forcing those aboard to abandon ship.
The ferry sank north-west of Panaon Island, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.
Rescue boats had trouble reaching survivors because of the "huge waves," council spokesperson Mina Marasigan told AFP news agency.
Ships are still searching for the remaining crew and passengers.
The Philippines has a poor record for maritime safety, with scores of people dying in accidents every year, due partly to tropical weather, badly maintained passenger boats and weak enforcement of safety regulations.
A helicopter hovers above the site where a ferry collided with a ship near the central Philippine city of Cebu in August 2013. Photo: AFP
