Philippine Ferry Disaster: 15 Confirmed Dead, 28 Still Missing After Vessel Sinks
A ferry carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members sank early Monday near an island in the southern Philippines. Initial reports indicate 15 fatalities and 316 individuals rescued, while search operations continue for at least 28 people still unaccounted for.
Incident Details
The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, an inter-island cargo and passenger ferry, was en route from Zamboanga to Jolo island when it reportedly encountered technical problems after midnight. A distress call was transmitted at approximately 1:50 AM local time on Monday (17:50 GMT Sunday). The vessel sank approximately one nautical mile (nearly 2 kilometers) from the island village of Baluk-baluk in Basilan province. Weather conditions were described as favorable at the time of the incident.
A coast guard safety officer, who was on board and survived, alerted authorities to the emergency.
One rescued passenger described the vessel abruptly tilting and taking on water, leading to passengers being thrown into the sea.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams have successfully saved 316 individuals. The number of confirmed fatalities stands at 15. As of current reports, at least 28 people remain unaccounted for, and extensive search and rescue operations are ongoing off Basilan province.
Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman confirmed that 37 people, including two fatalities, were transported to Isabela, the provincial capital, following their rescue.
Participating units in the search and rescue operations include the Philippine coast guard, navy ships, a surveillance plane, an air force Black Hawk helicopter, and local fishing boats.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the exact cause of the ferry's sinking. Commander Romel Dua of the coast guard stated that the vessel had been cleared before its departure from Zamboanga port, and there was no immediate indication of overloading.
Background on Maritime Accidents
Sea accidents are a recurring issue in the Philippine archipelago. Factors often contributing to these incidents include frequent storms, challenges with vessel maintenance, overcrowding, and inconsistent enforcement of safety regulations. A notable historical event is the December 1987 Dona Paz ferry sinking, which resulted in over 4,300 deaths, making it the world's deadliest peacetime maritime disaster.