From correspondents in Manila, Philippines, 05:31 PM IST

At least 12 people were drowned Saturday when the boat in which they were travelling sank off the coast of Verde Island in northern Philippines, the police said.

Rescue officials retrieved 12 bodies from the water, while 40 others were rescued, local police chief Luisito Palmera said.

It was not immediately clear how many people were on the boat at the time of the accident.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)