Philippines: 39 die when ferry overturns.

This case is not like the other recent disaster when a typhoon was approaching. However one still wonders how resistant to bad weather some of these ferries are. Even in this case one would think that there should be weather stations that would pick up these winds and report them.

39 die after Philippine ferry overturns
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 4, 2008 8:34 AM ET CBC News
At least 39 people have died after an inter-island commuter ferry overturned while being buffeted by sudden monsoon winds and waves southeast of Manila, Philippine officials said on Tuesday.
About 76 people were rescued after the M/L Don Dexter was battered by the storm shortly after leaving port in central Masbate island, said army Maj.-Gen. Jeffrey Sodusta.
When the boat left port, the weather was clear, said local police officer Roy Almine.
"There was no rain. It's like a whirlwind and the boat overturned," Almine said.
Of the 39 bodies that have been recovered, eight are children, Sodusta said.
The ship's manifest listed 119 people on board along with six crew members.
The bodies were lined up at a local plaza so mourners could search for their loved ones.
Officials are still searching for the 10 people who are unaccounted for.
Ferries are a cheap and popular mode of transport in the Philippines but they are often overcrowded and accidents are common.With files from the Associated Press and Reuters