A ferry carrying over 350 individuals sank in the early hours of Monday near a southern Philippines island, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 18 people. Rescuers managed to save hundreds of passengers, while a coordinated effort involving coast guard and naval vessels was underway to locate those still unaccounted for.
The vessel, M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, a cargo and passenger ferry traveling from Zamboanga to Jolo island in Sulu province, encountered technical difficulties and eventually sank close to Baluk-baluk village in Basilan province. Despite favorable weather conditions, the incident occurred approximately a nautical mile from the island.
Commander Romel Dua of the coast guard confirmed the presence of a safety officer on board who promptly alerted authorities, leading to the deployment of rescue operations. As per official reports, 316 passengers and crew members were rescued, while 18 bodies were recovered.
Mohamad Khan, a survivor, recounted the harrowing experience of the ferry tilting abruptly, causing passengers to be thrown into the sea. Tragically, Khan’s six-month-old baby drowned during the chaos.
The exact cause of the ferry’s sinking remains unclear, prompting an investigation by authorities. Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman stated that several survivors and deceased individuals were transported to Isabela for further assistance.
Sea accidents are a recurring issue in the Philippines due to various factors such as inclement weather, vessel maintenance issues, overcrowding, and lax safety enforcement, particularly in remote regions. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of maritime risks in the archipelago, with historical disasters like the 1987 Dona Paz sinking, which claimed over 4,300 lives, highlighting the gravity of such events.