Death toll up to 9 in ferry boat sinking

MANILA, Philippines, June 18 (UPI) -- The death toll from a ferry boat sinking in the Philippines rose to nine, officials said Monday. Rescue crews searched for others from the vessel.

Two bodies, one male and one female, were found in separate locations in the waters off Palawan, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.

The Philippine Coast Guard said the victims were believed to be from the MV Joecille II, a ferry that sank Tuesday night while traveling to El Nido Island.

Fifty-six of the people on the boat were rescued. The vessel had 66 passengers listed and possibly another 21 who were not listed, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said.