Dozens of passengers were rescued when a ferry ran aground due to rough waves off the coast of the Philippines.

The MV Maria Helena vessel operated by Montenegro Shipping Lines was headed to Tablas Island when a large wave slammed into it, causing it to list in waters off Banton town in Romblon province on July 15 evening.

The Coast Guard Romblon said they received a report at around 10:30 pm and deployed a search and rescue team to evacuate the people onboard.

The Banton Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said all 93 passengers and 36 crew members were safely retrieved from the distressed ferry, which was also carrying 16 vehicles.

MV Maria Helena Chief Mate Rey Sargumba said the crew scrambled to secure the trucks onboard as the ship listed, but the ropes they used snapped. They ran the vessel aground as it began to take on water.

Rey told local media: 'We decided to beach the ship intentionally. Water was flooding the vessel when we were on the open water. We rushed to shore because there were many people onboard, and it would be disastrous if the ship sank.'

The MDRRMO said the MV Maria Helena's cargo had also been safely retrieved. There were no casualties reported.

The Philippines and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are approaching their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.