A ferry carrying 342 passengers sank in the southern Philippines, prompting an immediate response from the Philippine Coast Guard’s rescue team. The rescue boat was actively participating in search and rescue operations following the maritime disaster, which resulted in at least 15 confirmed deaths. A total of 316 individuals have been saved so far, with 28 still reported missing.
The incident happened at approximately 1:50 a.m. local time on Monday, while the vessel, MV Trisha Kerstin 3, was heading to Jolo in Sulu Province after leaving Zamboanga. The boat was operating within its approved capacity of 352 passengers and crew, with 332 passengers and 27 crew members onboard at the time of the sinking.
Rescue teams are working in relatively calm waters to expedite search efforts. Efforts include deploying military aircraft and vessels to aid in the rescue and investigation processes. Officials are now looking into what caused the ferry to capsize.
Basilan’s governor, Mujiv Hataman, shared video clips from the scene at Isabela port on Facebook, showing survivors being helped off boats, some wrapped in thermal blankets and others accompanied on stretchers. He mentioned that most survivors are doing well, though several elderly passengers require urgent medical attention. Authorities are currently cross-checking the passenger list as rescue operations continue.
Ferry accidents are a frequent tragedy in the Philippines, an archipelago composed of over 7,000 islands with a variable safety record concerning maritime travel.
