Cargo May Have Sunk Philippine Ferry

MANILA — A ferry that sank with 454 people on board was carrying heavy cargo that may have shifted in strong waves, causing the ship to tilt and then sink, the chief investigator said Sunday.

Seventeen more people were rescued Sunday after spending more than a day in chilly, storm-whipped waters, bringing the number of survivors to at least 311, officials said. At least 39 people are confirmed dead.

The Princess of the Orient sank during a storm Friday night. Maritime officials said that several other ships had also reported difficulties during the storm.

Chief accident investigator Arnie Santiago said the ship was carrying 15 vehicles and 66 containers of truck parts and other heavy materials that may not have been properly secured.-- Associated Press