800 missing in Philippines ferry disaster
Philippines President Gloria Arroyo has demanded to know why a ferry carrying more than 800 people was allowed to set sail as a typhoon bore down on her country
Speaking to civil defence and coast guard authorities, Ms Arroyo said she wanted answers about the ferry, which sank on Saturday after being battered by huge waves caused by Typhoon Fengshen.
The typhoon lashed The Philippines for a second day yesterday, leaving at least 80 people dead as it submerged entire communities and capsized the ferry carrying more than 740 passengers and crew.
Receiving a briefing about the ferry accident while she was travelling in the US, Ms Arroyo said she wanted to know from the relevant authorities why the ship was allowed to depart Manila on Friday when it was known the typhoon was about to hit.
The Australian
