Coast Guard: Locals say Philippines ferry capsized

MANILA, Philippines (CNN) - Local residents reported a ferry carrying more than 700 people had capsized near the central Philippine island of Sibuyan, but a rescue vessel was still hours away, according to a Philippines Coast Guard official.

The crew of the MV Princess of Stars reported Saturday that it ran around after its engine failed during its regular run between Manila and Cebu City, according to Vice Adm. Wilfredo Tamayo.

Radio contact with the ship was lost Saturday afternoon, but local residents told the Coast Guard that the vessel had capsized, Coast Guard Lt. Cdr. Armando Balilo said.

The effort to reach the ferry has been slowed by rough seas stirred up by Typhoon Fengshen, made landfall in the eastern Philippines early Saturday (late Friday ET).