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ferry carrying over 350 people sank after midnight in the southern Philippines on Monday, officials said.
The ferry, identified as M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, was traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island when it encountered technical problems and went down in waters near Basilan province.
Details Of Incident
Authorities said the vessel carried 332 passengers and 27 crew members, bringing the total number of people on board to 359.
Rescue teams saved at least 215 people, while local media reports state that seven bodies have been recovered. However, there is no official statement yet confirming the casualties.
Survivors were taken to nearby islands, including Isabela City, where they received medical treatment.
Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman said dozens of survivors arrived at the port in Isabela. He added that two of the recovered bodies were brought there.
The Philippine Coast Guard, navy personnel, and local fishing boats joined the rescue effort. Officials said weather conditions improved later in the day, allowing rescuers to continue searching the area.
What Caused The Accident?
Authorities have not yet confirmed what caused the ferry’s technical failure. Officials said an investigation is underway.
Ferry accidents occur frequently in the Philippines, an island nation where sea travel remains common. Poor vessel maintenance, overcrowding, and weak enforcement of safety rules often contribute to such incidents.
One of the deadliest ferry disasters occurred in December 1987, when the ferry Dona Paz sank after colliding with a fuel tanker.
Over 4,300 people lost their lives in the incident.
(With inputs from AP)
