10 still missing after ferry carrying 344 sinks in S. Philippines

MANILA, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Ten people remained missing after an inter-island ferry with 344 people onboard sank early Monday in waters off Basilan province in the southern Philippines, with 18 having been confirmed dead, authorities said Tuesday.

The Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday revised the total number of people aboard the sunken ferry to 344, down from the initial count of 359, after verifying that 15 passengers who were listed as having boarded the vessel never did so.■