Five dead in Philippines ferry crash

At least five people died when a ferry, carrying about 700 people, collided with a cargo ship in central Philippines Friday evening. However, 250 people were rescued, the BBC reported.

The accident occurred as the ferry, carrying 692 people, was sailing into the port at Cebu -- the country's second biggest city -- when it collided with the cargo ship travelling the other way at about 9.00 p.m. local time.

The ferry -- MV Thomas Aquinas -- began sinking after hitting the cargo vessel near the central city of Cebu, officials said. Local fishing boats joined the coastguard and naval vessels in the rescue effort, which was on till last report.

Most of the passengers were asleep when the accident happened in Cebu province, said a rescued passenger.

The toll was feared to rise as many people remained unaccounted for.