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Recent mishaps involving inter-island vessels and ensuing poor and inadequate rescue operations at sea has dented Philippine tourism anew with the British embassy on Thursday advising British tourists against traveling by sea.

“You (British people) should be aware that maritime rescue services in the Philippines may not be as comprehensive as they might be in the United Kingdom,” the advisory said. It noted that “inter-island travel by small boats can be dangerous as storms appear quickly.”

The embassy also advised its estimated annual 70,000 British tourists to “include safety measures in all your travel plans. Seek advice from local contacts, avoid travel off the beaten track and always leave travel plans with friends, colleagues or relatives. Safety standards on taxis, buses and boats can be low.”

The advisory came after the passenger ferry boat “MB Don Dexter Cathlyn” sank off Masbate island on its way to Sorsogon province on Monday, reportedly due to bad weather and overloading. More than 40 people are confirmed dead, and a few still missing.

Last June, the headline-hogging sinking of the ship, “MV Princess of the Stars” off the Sibuyan Coast in Romblon, caused the death of more than 700 passengers. Rough seas due to typhoon “Fengshen” overpowered the ship and caused it to keel.

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