GMA wants probe into Masbaste ferry sinking

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wants an intevestigation into the ferry sinking off Masbate that left 14 dead, said a top government official Friday.

An overloaded ferry sank in rough waters near Quezon province before dawn yesterday.  The 400-tonne MV Blue Water was trying to seek shelter from rough seas when it hit a rock, causing it to tip over on its side.

It was reported that there were 256 passengers and 14 vehicles onboard when the vessel went down.  The military says 14 people are dead and 129 rescued. 

Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said in a statement, "The President instructed the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Philippine Coast Guard to look into the circumstances surrounding the sinking of a private ferry bound for Masbate."

"She ordered the DOTC to issue a stern reminder to all sea vessels to heed weather forecasts and assure passenger safety and welfare at all times," Bunye said.

He further said the President has expressed her deepest sympathies to the families of those who died when the inter-island vessel sank.