MANILA, Philippines — A passenger ferry with more than 350 people aboard capsized and sank off Basilan in the southern Philippines early Monday, leaving at least 15 dead and 28 missing, officials said. The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sent a distress call about 1:50 a.m. while sailing from Zamboanga City to Jolo in Sulu province, and survivors said the ship suddenly listed and took on water, Jan. 26.
Rescue boats and nearby fishing vessels pulled at least 316 people to safety as patrol craft searched waters near the island village of Baluk-baluk, according to a Reuters report. Authorities cautioned that the missing count could change as names are verified and more survivors reach shore.
Philippines ferry capsizes off Basilan as search continues for missing passengers
The Philippine Coast Guard said the ferry carried 332 passengers and 27 crew members and was within its authorized passenger capacity. Many survivors were brought to Isabela City, Basilan’s capital, where ambulances met arriving boats.
Coast Guard Commander Romel Dua said a safety officer on board triggered the emergency response. In an Associated Press account, Dua said, “There was a coast guard safety officer on board and he was the first to call and alert us to deploy rescue vessels.”
Authorities said the Philippines ferry capsizes probe will examine possible mechanical problems and how quickly water entered the ship.
When the Philippines ferry capsizes, passengers describe chaos in the dark
Survivors told officials the ship tilted abruptly and started flooding, sending people scrambling for life vests and clinging to floating debris. Several passengers were treated for exposure and shock after hours in the water before being picked up.
Hospitals in Basilan faced surges of patients needing treatment. “We are short-staffed at the moment,” medic Ronalyn Perez said, according to Al Jazeera.
Investigation begins after the Philippines ferry capsizes
Investigators are examining possible technical problems and sea conditions, including the northeast monsoon known locally as Amihan. Officials have also said the ferry was cleared before departure and there was no immediate sign of overloading.
Later Monday, GMA Integrated News reported the death toll had risen to 18 and the number of missing had fallen to 24 as authorities reconciled passenger lists. The ferry is operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, which said it was coordinating with responders as families waited for updates.
A familiar risk for an island nation
The Philippines ferry capsizes tragedy is a reminder of how vital — and sometimes dangerous — sea travel can be across the archipelago. During Typhoon Fengshen in 2008, the Princess of the Stars capsized with hundreds aboard, as detailed in a 2008 Guardian report.
In 2013, a passenger ferry collision near Cebu killed at least 38 people, Reuters reported in 2013. And in 2019, a ferry fire in the south killed at least two passengers, Time reported.
Officials said search teams would stay in the area until everyone missing is accounted for, urging families to seek updates through authorities as the Philippines ferry capsizes toll continues to change.
