Typhoon death toll at 80 in Philippines; rescuers try to reach stricken ferry

Manila, Philippines: A Philippine governor says 59 people have drowned in one central province that has been battered by Typhoon Fengshen.

Gov. Neil Tupaz of Iloilo province says another 40 people are missing there.

Fengshen has lashed the Philippines for a second day Sunday, killing at least 80 people as it submerged entire communities and capsized a passenger ferry carrying more than 740 passengers and crew.

Rescue vessels aborted an initial attempt Saturday to get to the 23,824-ton ferry, but efforts have resumed in stormy weather Sunday, with one ship approaching the stricken vessel, coast guard chief Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo says.