FERRY FIRE KILLS 7

At least seven people were killed and scores plucked to safety in The Philippines after a fire ripped through a ferry and forced passengers to jump overboard, the coast guard and witnesses said.

The blaze broke out on the Mercraft 2 as it carried 124 passengers from Polillo Island to Real in Quezon province on the main island of Luzon.

Seven people died and 120 have been rescued so far, a Philippines Coast Guard spokesman said, adding that a search operation for survivors was continuing.

A total of 134 passengers and crew were on board when the fire started.