BREAKING: Ferry carrying 251 people capsizes in holiday spot – rescue operation launched

The ship sunk off the coast of he Philippines this morning. 

At least three people have died when the ship sunk en route to the island of Polillo. 

It sunk near the town of Real in the region of Quezon. 

The Filipino coast guard said it was “still trying to get a complete picture” of the situation. 

A spokesman said: “We heard about casualties, but we are still trying to get a complete picture.”

He said he believed “weather was a big factor” with rough seas plaguing efforts of Filipinos to get home for Christmas. 

Bad weather is expected to hit the Philippines, which consists of more than 7,500 islands, in the next few days. 

Tropical Storm Tembin is expected to hit on Friday. Rough weather is already being experienced in the area. 

However the ferry was permitted to leave the town of Real for Polillo as no weather warnings were issued. 

The ship can carry 286 and was not overcrowded, the spokesman said. 

This is a breaking story, more to follow…