The Philippines has suffered its second ferry disaster in less than a week. Anxious relatives can only wait – and hope for a miracle – with more than 20 people unaccounted for after the latest accident.

A small inter-island ferry sank after taking in water from its bow for, as yet, unexplained reasons.

It was en route from Calapan on the central island of Mindoro for a two-hour trip to Batangas port on Luzon island. At least four of those on board the roll-on, roll-off ferry are confirmed dead, two of them children. Passing ships picked up most of the 63 crew and passengers who survived.

On Thursday, a ferry sank after colliding with a fishing boat near Manila. At least three people died in that accident. More than 20 others are missing.

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