31 dead, 7 missing in Philippine ferry fire tragedy.
A ferry carrying about 250 passengers caught fire in the southern Philippines, leaving 31 people dead and at least seven missing. Many were rescued by the coast guard, navy, another ferry, and local fishermen. The burned ferry was towed to Basilan's shoreline, where 18 more bodies were discovered. Sea accidents are common in the Philippines due to storms, badly maintained boats, overcrowding, and spotty enforcement of safety regulations.
