Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine authorities on January 26 said the death toll from the sinking of a ferry carrying more than 350 people off the country’s southern waters has risen to at least 15, while dozens remain missing.
The ferry, MV Trisha Kerstin 3, issued a distress signal at around 1:50 (local time), just over four hours after departing Zamboanga City en route to Jolo Island in Sulu province, before sinking near Baluk-baluk island village in Basilan province, about 5km east of the area.
According to Romel Dua, Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard’s Southern Mindanao District, 316 people have been rescued so far, while 43 others remain unaccounted for. Survivors have been taken to coast guard stations in Zamboanga City and Isabela City for medical care.
Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the ferry had a maximum capacity of 350 people and that the captain reported 332 passengers on board, though the exact number will only be confirmed after rescue operations are completed.
Coast guard, navy and air force units, along with surveillance aircraft, have been deployed to assist the search and rescue efforts. Local authorities said medical facilities in Basilan province are under significant pressure as the number of patients requiring emergency treatment continues to rise amid staff shortages.
The Philippine Coast Guard said its current priority is search and rescue, adding that an investigation into the cause of the sinking will be conducted in accordance with regulations.
Sea accidents are common in the Philippine archipelago, which has more than 7,000 islands, due to factors including bad weather, poorly maintained vessels and weak enforcement of safety regulations.
The country’s worst maritime disaster occurred in 1987, when the ferry Dona Paz sank after colliding with a fuel tanker, killing more than 4,300 people. More recently, in 2023, a ferry fire in southern Philippines killed over 30 people./.
