Manila  - A cargo ship has capsized in bad weather off the northern Philippines, leaving 11 crew members missing, the coast guard said Wednesday.

The Mark Jason 1 was on its way to the Batanes Islands in the northernmost tip of the Philippines late Tuesday when it was struck by large waves. It was carrying 20 crewmen.

The coast guard said passing vessels were able to rescue nine crewmen and search and rescue teams have been dispatched to search for the 11 missing crew. (dpa)