MANILA, Philippines — A Catholic religious order says an American missionary drowned during a vacation on an island south of the Philippine capital.

The director of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions says Father Steve Baumbusch's body was found Friday, a day after he disappeared while swimming off Lubang Island.

The 53-year-old missionary from Columbus, Ohio, had been working in the Philippines since 1998 and last served as rector of a seminary in Tagaytay city.

Director Father Giovanni Re said Sunday that Baumbusch was swimming with several seminarians but got separated when he reached an area of strong currents.

He said Baumbusch's family plans to bury him in his hometown.

Lubang Island is about 80 miles (130 kilometers) southwest of Manila. (AP)