A boat carrying 173 passengers has capsized in the central Philippines minutes after leaving port, with 34 believed dead so far, according to the Red Cross.

 

The vessel had departed Ormoc City, Leyte Province bound for Camotes Island, east of Cebu on Thursday when the disaster occurred.

 

Philippine National Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon told CNN he understood the boat overturned because of heavy winds.

 

He said "around 50 people" have been rescued so far, with Red Cross staff on the pier in Ormoc assisting those who make it back to shore with blankets and meals.

 

Gwendolyn Pang, Secretary-General of the National Red Cross in Manila, said they believed at least 34 people had died.

 

She described the vessel as a commercial "pump boat" or banka, which is essentially a canoe-style craft with outriggers and powered by a small engine. They're widely used across the Philippines for transporting people and goods, as well as for fishing.

 

Close to shore

 

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard told CNN the rescue was ongoing.

 

The vessel, which was 27 meters long, was barely 200 meters from the shore line when it capsized, according to Coast Guard Lieutenant Christopher Ganet.

 

He said those who have been rescued are being taken to local hospitals in the area around Ormoc.

(CNN)