Philippine ferry catches fire near Manila

A Philippines ferry with more than 700 passengers was on fire tonight near the capital Manila, and rescue vessels were sent to the scene.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

About 727 passengers were reported to be on board the Superferry 14, travelling from Manila to the central city of Bacolod.

Coastguard Jess Galicah said the fire was reported around 1am (5pm Irish time) off Bataan province.

The cause and severity were not immediately known.

Galicah said the ship had a capacity of 1,672 passengers.