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A ferry carrying more than 350 people sank early Monday (January 26) near Baluk-Baluk, Basilan province in the southern Philippines, resulting in at least 18 deaths and leaving dozens missing, according to officials. Rescuers managed to save at least 316 passengers from the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 after it encountered technical problems and went down shortly after midnight.
The vessel, which was both a cargo and passenger ferry, had departed from the port city of Zamboanga and was headed to Jolo island in Sulu province, carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members. Coast guard Commander Romel Dua told Reuters that the ferry sank about a nautical mile from Baluk-Baluk, adding that 28 people are still unaccounted for as of Monday morning. An investigation into the cause of the sinking is under way. Military aircraft and vessels joined the search and rescue operations, while several survivors required emergency medical care.
A survivor recounted to volunteer rescuer Gamar Alih, as reported by CNN, that “my wife lost hold of our baby and all of us got separated at sea.” The survivor and his wife were rescued, but their six-month-old child drowned. The steel-hulled vessel reportedly tilted abruptly and took on water, sending passengers into the sea in darkness.
The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed that a safety officer on board was the first to alert authorities to deploy rescue vessels. The ferry had been cleared for departure from Zamboanga port, and there was no indication of overloading, Dua said. Officials are also checking reports that some passengers listed on the manifest did not board, which may affect the count of those missing.
Sea accidents are not uncommon in the Philippines due to frequent storms, aging vessels, overcrowding, and inconsistent safety enforcement, especially in remote regions. The deadliest maritime disaster in the country’s history occurred in 1987, when the Dona Paz ferry collided with a tanker, claiming more than 4,300 lives.
Rescue and recovery efforts continue, with coast guard, navy ships, and air force helicopters searching for those still missing. The investigation into the causes of the incident is ongoing.