Philippine ship collision: Toll rises to 52

Manila  :  The death toll in the collision of two ships in the Philippines rose to 52 Monday. At least 68 people are still missing, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

The number of rescued passengers stood at 750, Xinhua cited the coast guard as saying.

Passenger vessel MV St. Thomas Aquianas and cargo ship Sulpicio Express 7 collided off Lawis Ledge, Talisay city, Friday night. The passenger vessel sank immediately after the incident. However, all the 38 crew members of the cargo vessel were safe.

Search and rescue operations for the remaining passengers of MV Thomas Aquinas have been temporarily suspended due to unfavourable weather conditions, officials said.

The cause of the accident has not yet been determined.