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Owner of ferry that capsized in Philippines charged with murder

By Danielle Haynes

MANILA, July 4 (UPI) -- The owner of a ferry that capsized in the Philippines killing 59 people was charged with multiple counts of murder, officials said Friday.

The MB Nirvana overturned abruptly Thursday minutes after leaving port with nearly 200 people on board. About 140 people survived the incident, the Filipino coast guard said.

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Initial reports said a combination of bad weather and human error caused the wreck, but coast guard officials said Friday there was faulty maneuvering and overcrowding, Voice of America reported.

Murder charges were brought against the boat's owner, Joge Bung Zarco, and a number of the crew, police inspector Mark Nalda said.

One of three U.S. nationals on board the ferry, Rhome Nuttall, told CNN the vessel was "very crowded."

"There was a little wave, which is normal, but yesterday that caused the boat to flip to the right," she said. "I ran to the left hoping we could help to balance the boat. When we flipped, I said: 'OK, this is it. OK, this is it.'"

Nuttall said she heard a loud noise just before the ferry capsized.

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"I think it was that big thud. I think that was cargo that shifted and that caused the boat to flip," she said.

The boat, about 88 feet long, was about 650 feet from the shoreline when it capsized.

The capsized ferry is described as a banka or "pump boat," which is a popular craft in the Philippines similar to a canoe outfitted with outriggers and a small engine.

Rough waters and torrential rains are regular occurrences in the Philippines this time of year, which is officially classified as monsoon season.

Andrew V. Pestano contributed to this report.

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