A small Philippine ferry turned over when passengers suddenly crowded to one side in panic as fierce winds lashed the wooden vessel Thursday, and at least 26 people died, while 40 others were rescued, authorities said.

The coast guard and police said search and rescue efforts halted late Thursday but would resume Friday morning. Officials said it remained unclear how many people were aboard the M/B Princess Aya, which capsized in Laguna de Bay in Rizal province.

When people rushed to one side of the vessel amid severe winds, the boat tilted and its outrigger broke, then the boat capsized shortly after leaving a wharf in the town of Binangonan for nearby Talim island.

The accident happened only about 46 meters (150 feet) from shore, police and coast guard officials said at a news conference.

The Rizal provincial police said that they immediately launched a rescue operation with the help of the coast guard and other local authorities, but that at least 26 people drowned. Forty others were saved.