At least 15 people have died in a ferry accident in the southern Philippines, while 316 passengers have been rescued, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Search and rescue operations continue for dozens still reported missing.
The incident occurred early Monday at 1:50 a.m. local time (1750 GMT) when the passenger ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 was traveling from Zamboanga to Jolo in Sulu province. The vessel, authorized to carry 352 passengers, had 332 passengers and 27 crew members on board at the time of the accident.
PCG Southern Mindanao District Commander Romel Dua said that search efforts in relatively calm waters have helped accelerate rescue operations. He confirmed that 28 passengers remain missing as authorities continue their search.
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident. Military aircraft and vessels have been deployed to support rescue teams in the area.
Mujiv Hataman, governor of Basilan province, shared video clips from Mindanao’s Isabela port on social media, showing survivors being assisted off the boats. Some were wrapped in thermal blankets while others were carried on stretchers.
Speaking to DZBB radio, Hataman said most survivors were in stable condition, though several elderly passengers required emergency medical attention. Authorities are also cross-checking the passenger manifest to ensure all individuals are accounted for.
Ferry accidents are a recurring concern in the Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, where maritime safety remains a challenge. Hundreds of people lose their lives each year due to incidents at sea.