Tragedy at Sea: Philippine Ferry Sinks, Hundreds Rescued, Dozens Still Missing
Ferry sinks in southern Philippines, leaving 15 dead and dozens missing.
A ferry carrying more than 350 people sank early Monday morning off southern Philippines, leaving at least 15 confirmed dead and 28 still missing, authorities said. The MV Trisha Kerstin 3 issued a distress signal around 1:50 a.m. local time, approximately four hours after departing Zamboanga City en route to Jolo Island.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with 316 survivors already pulled from the water by the Philippine Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force. A coast guard aircraft was dispatched to assist, and survivors are being transported to stations in Zamboanga and Isabela City for medical attention. Many were reportedly suffering from injuries and hypothermia due to rough seas at the time of the incident.
The 44-metre, triple-decker vessel sank about five kilometres east of Baluk-Baluk Island, part of the Basilan island chain. Philippine authorities said the ferry was not overloaded, but strong currents and turbulent waters contributed to the disaster, according to survivor accounts. Coast Guard teams are conducting a marine casualty investigation to determine the exact cause.
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Local emergency responders are facing challenges in managing the influx of survivors, with hospitals reporting staffing shortages as more patients arrive. Video footage released by the coast guard shows survivors being rescued from the water and receiving immediate medical care, while many others shouted for help amid the darkness.
The Philippines, an archipelagic nation with over 7,000 islands, has a long history of inter-island ferry disasters. Previous tragedies include the 2023 ferry fire that killed over 30 people and the 1987 Dona Paz collision with an oil tanker that claimed more than 4,000 lives, the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster in history. Authorities have urged stricter safety measures for inter-island passenger vessels to prevent future catastrophes.
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