A boat carrying 173 passengers has capsized in the central Philippines, CNN affiliate ABS-CBN is reporting, citing Coast Guard officials.

The vessel had just left port in Ormoc City, Leyte Province on Thursday.

According to local television station, TV Patrol Central Visayas, at least 33 people have died, with a number of other passengers being treated in hospital after rescuers rushed to the scene.

(Source: CNN)