Death toll in Philippines ferry accident hits 52

Rescuers are splashed by strong waves as they prepare to leave to search victims of Friday's disaster in the waters off Talisay, Cebu in central Philippines August 18, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

MANILA - The death toll in the collision of a passenger ferry and a cargo vessel in central Philippine province of Cebu jumped to 52 while 68 people remained missing, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Monday.

The update was as of 10:50 am as the number of rescued passengers stood at 750, the PCG said.

Search and rescue operations for the remaining passengers of MV Thomas Aquinas were temporarily terminated due to unfavorable weather conditions, it said.

The ill-fated ship collided with Sulpicio Express 7 last Friday night at the vicinity of Lawis Ledge, Talisay City in Cebu province.

Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the accident.