15 Dead, 28 Missing After Passenger Ferry Sinks in Southern Philippines

At least 15 people were killed and 28 others remain missing after a passenger ferry carrying more than 300 people sank off Basilan province in the southern Philippines early Monday.

The vessel, M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, was traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island in Sulu province when it encountered trouble at sea. According to reports from local daily Philstar, the ferry sent out a distress signal around 1:50 a.m., roughly four hours after departure.

The Philippines Coast Guard confirmed that 316 passengers were rescued as search and rescue operations continue with the support of navy vessels and helicopters.

Initial findings indicate the ferry was carrying over 330 passengers and 27 crew members when it went down near Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan waters. Coast guard footage showed survivors pulled from the sea and receiving medical aid, with some heard crying out for help in the darkness.

Authorities have launched a marine casualty investigation to determine the cause of the sinking. Officials also confirmed that no oil spill has been detected.

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, has long faced deadly maritime accidents, often linked to overcrowded and poorly regulated vessels.