Two die in Philippines ferry fire

At least two people died when a passenger ferry with 237 people on board caught fire south of Manila, Philippines coastguard officials said today.

Passengers were rescued by passing vessels, but authorities were not certain if all had been saved from the MV Catalyn D, which caught fire off Mindoro island, about 170km (106 miles) south east of Manila, said coastguard spokesman Commander Joseph Coyme.