A passenger ferry was caught by fire early Friday near Manila Bay, leaving one person dead, 14 others injured and 200 still missing, officials said in Manila.

Huge explosion was heard before a Philippine passenger ferry was caught by fire early Friday, survivors said.

Survivors told ABS-CBN TV program that they were waken up by a loud explosion below deck before the fire hit the Super ferry 14 around 1:00 a.m. at the mouth of Manila Bay off Corregidor Island. 

Coastguard spokesman Armando Balilo said one of the 861 passengers and crew abroad has died, 14 among almost 700 survivors in jured.

The ship owner company Aboitiz Transport told TV that the crew had spent nearly two hours to put out the fire before they lowered the life rafts and abandoned ship, which had been in service for three years.

Balilo said the coastguard scout would continue to scour the accident area to rescue the passengers who may have jumped or fell into the sea for life.

"There are reports that Navy pump boats also rescued some passengers and are transferring them aboard coastguard vessels in the area," he said.

Philippine Navy reportedly also order the troops taking part in the Philippine-US join military exercises at the nearby coastal town assist the rescue efforts.

A total of 68 people died after two passenger ferry collided near the Manila Bay last June.

(China Daily February 27, 2004)