The inter-island passenger ferry sank off Basilan Province in the southern Philippines in the early hours of Monday, leaving at least 18 people dead and dozens unaccounted for as rescuers continue searching the area.
The ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 departed Zamboanga City late Sunday night bound for Jolo, Sulu, carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members. According to authorities, the vessel was operating within its approved passenger and cargo capacity and had successfully passed a mandatory pre-departure safety inspection by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). A PCG sea marshal was also on board to provide security during the voyage.
At approximately 01:50 local time on Monday, Trisha Kerstin 3 sank about three nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island. Survivors told rescuers that weather and sea conditions were calm at the time, adding to the uncertainty surrounding what caused the vessel to go down.
As of the latest official update, 317 people so far have been rescued, with 18 confirmed dead and 24 remain missing. At least two dozen survivors were taken to a medical facility for treatment of injuries and exposure.
Rescue operations are ongoing. The cause of the sinking remains unknown. The Philippine Coast Guard has stated that a full marine casualty investigation will begin once SAR are concluded.
