Manila, Dec 22 : The death toll in the Philippines ferry mishap has risen to five, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Friday.
"All 252 passengers and crew have been accounted for," NDRRMC spokesperson Romina Marasigan was quoted as saying by Xinhua news agency.
The passenger ferry sank off Infanta town in Quezon province in heavy waves shortly before noon on Thursday while en route to Polio Island, said the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG).
The PCG said the vessel had a capacity of accommodating up to 286 passengers.
The cause of the disaster is still not known, the PCG said. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said a probe was launched into the sea mishap.
"Our Coast Guard had immediately conducted search and rescue operations for the crew and passengers of the ferry following the tragedy," Roque said.
