Philippine Ferry Capsizes, Killing 56

An overloaded wooden Philippine ferry boat headed for Malaysia capsized, killing at least 56 people, officials said Thursday. More than 100 others were missing and feared dead.

Nineteen people were rescued as of Thursday morning, said Abdu Sakur, the governor of southern Sulu province.

He said the ferry Arlahada capsized shortly after leaving Jolo, the capital of the province, Wednesday night. Many passengers were crowded on one side of the boat, causing it to tip and then submerge, he said.

Many passengers were trapped inside the boat's cabin after it capsized, he said.

"We are still searching for the more than 100 passengers who are still missing," he said. "We don't know if they are alive or dead."

About 100 fishermen in the area were helping in the search, he said.

The ferry was headed for the Philippine province of Tawi Tawi and then for Saba in Malaysia, he said.

There were no immediate reports of whether foreigners were on board.