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MANILA, Philippines – Pope Francis on Saturday, August 17, offered prayers for the victims of Friday’s ship collision in Cebu.
The telegram of condolence from Pope Francis, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, was addressed to Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, according to Vatican Radio.
It read: “His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from the ferry boat accident off the central port of Cebu.”
“He assures all affected of his closeness in prayer and commends the victims to the loving mercy of Almighty God. The Holy Father invokes divine strength and comfort upon the grieving families, the injured and those involved in the rescue efforts.”
READ: 31 dead in sea mishap; 172 others missing
The Thomas Aquinas ferry, which was carrying 870 passengers, sank quickly after colliding with a freighter near the port of Cebu, the country’s second biggest city.
As of 2:20 pm Saturday, rescuers had saved 629 people but 31 people were confirmed killed, the Philippine Coast Guard’s public affairs office in Manila told Rappler.
Cebu coastguard commander Weniel Azcuna told reporters the accident occurred about two kilometers from the Cebu port.
He said the cargo ship, Sulpicio Express 7, had 36 crew members on board, but it did not sink.
Due to bad weather, authorities suspended the search mid-afternoon on Saturday, with 171 people still unaccounted for. – With reports from Voltaire Tupaz/Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com
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