Ferry sinking in the Philippines: death toll could reach 120.

Rescue teams have just confirmed the death toll to be 38 people.

According to reports, 32 bodies were found on August 17 and 5 bodies were found on August 18. Of the 751 people rescued, one unidentified child died on August 18.

After nearly 48 hours of search and rescue operations, rescue workers fear that the death toll could reach 120 people.

The bodies were transported to the Cosmopolitan funeral home in the port city of Cebu. So far, only 22 of the 38 bodies have been identified by their families.

Rescue operations at the port (photo: Reuters)

Relatives of other victims and those who are missing are also waiting in vain.

Richard Ortiz, whose parents are missing, clutched a photo of them and said, "I just want to see my parents right now."

The commander-in-chief of the Coast Guard at Cebu port, Weniel Azcuna, said he would not give up efforts to find the missing victims of the accident.

Mr. Azcuna said: “We are still searching and ready to rescue…we have not given up hope. Perhaps we will find survivors.”

The Philippine Navy, diving teams, and several groups of fishermen are also participating in the search and rescue efforts for the missing. Meanwhile, helicopters from the Philippine Coast Guard and Air Force have also been deployed to assist in the search.

Mr. Azcuna fears that some of the missing people may be trapped inside the ferry. The search will be difficult given that the ferry has sunk to a depth of 30 meters.

The coast guard also said they are trying to prevent an oil spill at sea because there was a fuel leak following the collision.

The ill-fated ferry, the MV St. Thomas of Aquinas, was carrying a crew and passengers of 870 and was en route from Nasipit port on Mindana Island to Cebu port, about 560 km from Manila. Meanwhile, the cargo ship MV Sulpicio Siete, with 36 crew members, had just left Cebu port.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino has ordered a full investigation into the accident and established an agency tasked with determining the cause of the collision and the responsibility of all parties involved.

According to VOV - DT