The ferry named "MV St. Thomas of Aquinas" (a former Superferry 2) was built in 1973 and collided with a cargo ship in the vicinity of Cebu on Friday 16th of August.
The Coast Guard reported that the Ferry began listing as the Captain ordered abandon ship. Two Coast Guard vessels provided assistance and other Ferries appeared on the scene to help with the rescue. The Ferry sank within 30 minutes of the collision.
According to reports from survivors, hundreds of passengers literally jumped into the ocean as the Ferry began taking on water. Many of the passengers were asleep and others struggled to find their way in the dark. The crew distributed life jackets, however dead bodies were seen at the side of the ship and by all accounts the accident was extremely traumatic for those involved.
Our thoughts go out to the families of the deceased.
