At Least 15 Dead and Hundreds Rescued After Ferry Sinks in Southern Philippines
A ferry carrying over 350 people sank off Basilan Province in the southern Philippines, resulting in at least 15 deaths and leaving dozens missing. The tragic incident occurred early Monday as the vessel, the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, experienced technical difficulties whilst en route to Jolo in Sulu province from the port city of Zamboanga.
Background and Context
The MV Trisha Kerstin 3, an inter-island cargo and passenger ferry, was transporting 332 passengers and 27 crew members when it ran into technical problems and capsized after midnight. It was not immediately clear how many people were missing after the incident, but the coast guard warned that at least 28 people remained unaccounted for.
Rescue Efforts and Casualties
Rescue efforts were initiated by the Philippine coast guard and navy in good weather conditions off Basilan province, in collaboration with a fleet of fishing boats. The South China Morning Post reported that rescuers have saved at least 316 passengers and retrieved 15 bodies according to officials.
Al Jazeera English and The Hindu confirmed the rescue of at least 215 people, with a search for the remaining missing individuals ongoing. The Guardian added that at least 300 people were saved from the capsized ferry. However, Sky News World, New York Times, and Deutsche Welle reported that at least 15 people lost their lives with BBC News highlighting that the local coast guard was still searching for 28 missing passengers.
Current Situation
The death toll in the Philippine boat accident has climbed to 15 with several people still missing. The number of victims could potentially rise as rescue efforts continue. Some sources contrast in the exact number of rescued individuals, ranging from 215 to 316. Regardless, the overall narrative confirms a significant rescue effort with hundreds saved from the sinking ferry.
TASS reported that rescuers are continuing the search for survivors. The situation remains critical, with authorities and rescuers working tirelessly to account for every passenger and crew member involved in the tragic incident.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of the ferry sinking in the southern Philippines, the situation remains uncertain with dozens of people still unaccounted for. Despite contrasting reports on the exact number of those rescued, all sources agree on the death toll of at least 15 individuals. As rescue efforts continue, the world waits anxiously for updates on the remaining missing passengers.