A Philippine ferry, MV Blue Water Princess, sank off southeast of Manila early Thursday, the coastguard said.

According to the coast guard spokesman, Lt. Senior Grade Armando Balilo, the Philippine ferry sank at around 3 a.m off San Francisco in Quezon province, 140 miles southeast of Manila. The ferry went down 250 kilometers southeast of the capital Manila off the southeastern tip of Luzon after being hit by huge waves.

The ferry had 28 people on board. Six individuals has been rescued, four has been confirmed dead and 18 individuals are still missing. Navy vessels and a helicopter had been dispatched to the scene to help in the rescue operation.