At Least 15 Dead as Passenger Ferry Sinks Off Southern Philippines Coast

Manila. At least 15 people have died and dozens are missing after a passenger ferry capsized in the southern Philippine province of Basilan shortly after midnight on Sunday. Officials stated that the ferry, named MV Trisha Kerstine 3, was carrying more than 350 people when the accident occurred.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the ferry sent a distress signal at approximately 1:50 AM on Monday while traveling from Zamboanga City toward the southern Sulu island of Jolo. According to records, the ferry had 332 passengers and 27 crew members aboard. The vessel sank about four hours after departing Zamboanga.

According to the Coast Guard, the ferry sank in the sea about one nautical mile off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan province, despite favorable weather conditions. At least 316 people have been rescued so far. The deaths of 15 people have been confirmed. Commander Rommel Dua of the Coast Guard told AFP news agency that 28 others remain unaccounted for.

Coast Guard aircraft have been dispatched for the rescue operation, and the Navy and Air Force have also deployed their assets. Rescued passengers requiring medical attention have been transported to a hospital in Isabela City, the capital of Basilan.

Emergency health worker Ronalyn Perez stated that the hospitals are experiencing an overwhelming patient load, and a shortage of personnel has become a challenge.