LUCENA, Philippines -- Fire swept a packed inter-island ferry in the central Philippines early Thursday, sending panicked passengers into the sea. At least 23 people died and 13 were missing.

Some of the victims drowned, including four children, said coast guard Lt. Cmdr. Elpidio Gunio. Others suffocated aboard the MV Maria Carmela, which was carrying at least 290 people when a blaze broke out in the cargo hold. At least 94 people were injured.

Survivors reported the fire started on a lower deck containing cars and trucks, Gunio said.

"Some of them helped combat the fire, but they were unable to control it so they had to save themselves," he said, adding that the blaze was fueled by gasoline and strong winds.

Survivors described a stampede as the flames spread rapidly. Those who drowned had jumped without life jackets, even though there were enough to go around, Gunio said. At least 32 people were missing. Julie Ann Caliwan, 14, sobbed as she described her escape. Her aunt, one of seven family members traveling with her, was missing.

"I was sleeping, and when I woke up I saw smoke," she said at an ice-making plant in Lucena where some survivors were taken and fed. "I immediately looked for a life jacket and then I hurriedly jumped out of the boat."

Sitting quietly with his head bowed, 19-year-old Michael Darapite said he grabbed a life jacket and jumped into the water, where a fisherman pulled him to safety. His mother was among the missing.

The fire started around 7 a.m., just as the ferry was nearing the end of a 12-hour trip from Masbate island to Lucena. 23 dead, 94 injured.