Ferry Sinking in Philippines: At Least 15 Dead, Hundreds Rescued After Vessel Carrying Over 350 Sinks Near Basilan

Manila: A passenger and cargo ferry sank in the early hours of Monday off the southern Philippines, claiming at least 15 lives while rescuers saved hundreds amid an ongoing search for dozens still missing.

The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 , operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island in Sulu province when it encountered difficulties and sank around 1:50 a.m. local time (1750 GMT Sunday). The vessel carried 332 passengers and 27 crew members , totalling 359 people on board.

The incident occurred in good weather conditions approximately 1 nautical mile (about 2 km) from Baluk-baluk village in Basilan province. Philippine Coast Guard officials stated that the ferry had been cleared for departure from Zamboanga port with no apparent signs of overloading.

Coast Guard Commander Romel Dua reported that 316 people had been rescued so far, while 15 bodies were recovered. Search and rescue efforts continued with the involvement of coast guard and navy vessels, a surveillance aircraft, an air force Black Hawk helicopter, and numerous local fishing boats. Many survivors were initially brought to nearby areas in Basilan, with some transported to Isabela City, the provincial capital.

Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman, speaking from the Isabela pier, confirmed receiving 37 survivors along with two bodies. "I’m receiving 37 people here in the pier. Unfortunately two are dead," he told reporters.

The exact cause of the sinking remains under investigation, with no immediate indications of foul play or severe weather. Sea accidents remain tragically common in the Philippine archipelago due to frequent typhoons, aging vessels, overcrowding, and inconsistent enforcement of maritime safety standards—particularly in remote island provinces.

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