Ferry carrying hundreds sinks off Philippine coast, killing at least eight passengers

Philippine Ferry Capsizes Off Basilan Province, Multiple Rescues Underway

A ferry carrying over 350 passengers has capsized off the southern Philippine province of Basilan, resulting in at least eight fatalities and multiple rescues. The incident occurred on Monday night as the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 was en route to Jolo Island in southern Sulu province.

According to officials, 215 people have been rescued so far, while search and rescue operations continue for 144 individuals who remain missing. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, which occurred after midnight on Monday.

The ferry had 332 passengers on record and 27 crew members on board. Coastguard Commander Romel Dua stated that seven bodies have been recovered, while multiple survivors have been rescued by coastguard personnel. The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by rescue teams due to rough seas and darkness.

Basilan emergency responders have reported that at least 138 people have been rescued so far, with 18 individuals being brought to a local hospital for treatment. Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman shared footage from the scene, showing survivors being ushered off boats and others being carried on stretchers.

The PCG has confirmed that rescue efforts are ongoing, with an investigation into the cause of the ferry sinking underway. The coastguard had previously cleared the vessel before it departed from the Zamboanga port, and there is no indication of overloading.

Source: Al Jazeera