Navy says no sign of life in Philippine ferry

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippine navy said on Monday there appeared to be no signs of life in a passenger ferry sunk in the centre of the archipelago during a typhoon.

A spokesman for the navy said a team approached the ship on Sunday afternoon to check for possible survivors.

"We just approached the hull of the ship, we got near and then banged, knocked in order for us to give a sign if ever there are still people inside," Lieutenant-Colonel Edgard Arevalo said.

"Unfortunately there was no response."

Navy divers were expected to drill into the side of the vessel later on Monday in case survivors might be alive in air pockets.