Ferry Sinks in Southern Philippines; 15 Dead, Dozens Missing

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 Manila: A passenger ferry carrying more than 350 people capsized early Monday in the waters off the southern Philippines, leaving at least 15 people dead, dozens still unaccounted for and a large-scale search and rescue effort underway, officials said.

 The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, an inter-island cargo and passenger vessel, was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island in Sulu province when it sank shortly after midnight near Baluk-baluk Island in Basilan province. The Philippine Coast Guard reported the ferry carried 332 passengers and 27 crew  well within its documented capacity of 352 people.

 Rescuers, including coast guard units, navy vessels, air force aircraft and volunteer boats, worked throughout the morning to pluck survivors from the sea and bring them ashore. So far, at least 316 people have been pulled to safety.

 Despite these efforts, authorities have confirmed 15 fatalities, and dozens remain missing as teams continue to probe the tangled wreckage and surrounding waters.

 At a reception point in Isabela City, survivors were treated for injuries ranging from hypothermia to minor trauma, while emergency medical teams prepared to assist those in need. Local officials stressed the urgency of the ongoing search as families awaited word on loved ones.

 The cause of the sinking has not yet been determined. Philippine Coast Guard authorities said the vessel was cleared for departure from Zamboanga and that initial checks showed no immediate sign of overloading. An official inquiry has been launched to examine whether mechanical failure, sea conditions or other factors contributed to the accident.

The ferry went down in fair weather, according to coast guard commander Romel Dua, though darkness and sea conditions complicated early rescue efforts.

 Maritime disasters are tragically not uncommon in the Philippines’ archipelago of more than 7,000 islands. Issues such as ageing vessels, maintenance shortcomings, overcrowded routes and sporadic enforcement of safety rules have repeatedly come under scrutiny. The country’s worst recorded maritime tragedy occurred in 1987, when the ferry Doña Paz sank with a catastrophic loss of life.

Local authorities and national leaders have promised a thorough investigation and renewed focus on improving safety standards as families and communities mourn those lost in this latest tragedy.