A passenger and cargo ferry with more than 350 people on board sank near an island in the southern Philippines early Monday, leaving at least 13 people dead and many others rescued, according to officials. The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 was travelling from Zamboanga City to Jolo island in Sulu province when it reportedly encountered technical problems and sank shortly after midnight.
The ferry went down in calm weather about one nautical mile from the island village of Baluk-baluk in Basilan province. Coast guard, navy, and air force units, along with fishing boats, were deployed for search and rescue operations. Survivors were taken to nearby islands, including Basilan’s capital Isabela.
Authorities said 244 passengers have been rescued so far, while investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the sinking. The coast guard added that there was no initial indication of overloading. Maritime accidents remain common in the Philippines due to vessel safety issues and weak enforcement in remote areas.
