A local town mayor told news network ABS-CBN that some dozens of bodies have been recovered. But the report has not yet been confirmed.

The national news network GMA News quoted coast guard official Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo as saying the ship "Princess Star" was "dead in the water" after its engine failed near the central Philippine island of Sibuyan.

Tamayo said he expected rescue ships to reach the area within two to three hours.

He said his team will validate the information "in the midst of various reports" of the ship mishap.

Local officials described the ferry as "upside down with a hole in the middle", which began sinking Saturday night after leaving the Manila port for Cebu Friday night.

The incident took place in the waters of Sibuyan island of Romblon, the mayor of San Fernando city in Romblon told local radio dzMM.

A local report quoted officials as saying the road to the shore near the ferry was "almost impassible" because of damage done by "Fengshen", and a local police chief was rushing to the shore on a motorcycle.