The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the ferry "MV Trisha Kerstin 3," carrying over 350 passengers and crew, sank in rough seas off the coast of Basilan province in the southern Philippines early Monday, resulting in at least 15 deaths and 28 people missing. At least 316 survivors have been rescued.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) received a distress signal around 01:50 local time on Monday, 26 Jan, after the ferry "MV Trisha Kerstin 3" sank off the coast of Basilan Island in the southern Philippines.

The vessel, operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, departed from the port of Zamboanga at approximately 21:20 on Sunday, heading toward Jolo Island. After about four hours at sea, the ferry sank roughly 5 kilometers east of Baluk-Baluk Island.

Rommel Dua, Coast Guard commander, stated that at least 316 survivors have been rescued so far, confirming 15 deaths and 28 missing. The navy and air force have deployed aircraft and ships to urgently assist in the rescue operations.

Ronalin Perez, a rescue official in Basilan, said a major challenge is the overwhelming number of survivors arriving, which exceeds the capacity of local medical personnel. He noted, "We are facing a shortage of staff to handle the large influx of patients," with at least 18 survivors already admitted to local hospitals.

The Coast Guard spokesperson reported preliminary survivor accounts indicating severe weather and strong waves at the time of the accident. However, officials confirmed the ferry was "not overloaded," as the passenger count was within the authorized maximum of 352 people.

The Philippines, an archipelago, has a history of maritime disasters due to reliance on ferries that often lack strict safety inspections. In 2023, a ferry fire in the south killed over 30 people; in 2015, a ferry capsizing near Leyte Island claimed over 60 lives; and in 1987, the "Doña Paz" ferry collided with an oil tanker, causing the worst peacetime maritime disaster globally with more than 4,000 fatalities.

Philippine authorities have ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the sinking. Most survivors have been transferred to Coast Guard stations in Zamboanga and Isabela for medical care and support.

/AFP/Rappler

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Philippine Ferry Sinks, Killing at Least 15 and Leaving 28 Missing