Philippines Typhoon Toll May Reach 1,000

900 are still missing with 500 dead
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 27, 2008 7:51 AM CDT
Philippines Typhoon Toll May Reach 1,000
U.S. Navy divers and Philippine rescuers conduct a search and rescue operation for the sunken passenger ferry the MV Princess of the Stars off Sibuyan Sea in central Philippines Wednesday,   (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

The death toll from a Philippines tycoon has climbed to more than 500—and it’s likely to keep growing, authorities say. Meanwhile, 900 are missing, including 669 who were on a sunken passenger ferry, CNN reports. More than 120 of those aboard the boat are confirmed dead, while 56 survived. Relatives are outraged that the boat was allowed to sail in such bad weather.

“People are pouncing on” the ferry company, said the head of the Philippines Red Cross. The Philippines’ president said she is “holding the ferry company accountable.” The company says victims’ families will each receive some $4,500. (More Philippines stories.)

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