A maritime tragedy has struck the southern Philippines, leaving at least 15 people confirmed dead and 28 others missing after a passenger ferry sank in rough waters. The incident involving the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 occurred early Monday morning, prompting a massive search and rescue operation in the region.
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Rough Seas Claim Vessel in Early Hours
The triple-decker ferry, measuring 44 meters, encountered trouble shortly after departing from the Port of Zamboanga City. Bound for Jolo Island, the vessel sent out a distress signal around 1:50 AM, just over four hours into its journey.
Survivors and officials report that the waters were particularly choppy at the time of the incident. The ship went down approximately five kilometers east of Baluk-Baluk Island, near the Basilan province. While the exact cause of the sinking remains under investigation, initial accounts point to the rough sea conditions as a significant factor.
Massive Rescue Operation Saved Hundreds
Despite the tragic loss of life, swift action by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other agencies prevented a higher casualty count. Rescuers have successfully pulled at least 316 survivors from the water.
Coast Guard commander Romel Dua confirmed that assets from the Navy and Air Force, including aircraft, were deployed to assist in the search for the 28 passengers still unaccounted for. Video footage released by authorities showed dramatic scenes of survivors being plucked from the dark waters and receiving immediate medical attention at local ports.
Emergency responders in Basilan faced a sudden influx of patients. Ronalyn Perez, a local responder, noted that medical teams were stretched thin as they treated dozens of survivors brought to local hospitals.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched a marine casualty investigation to determine exactly why the ferry sank. The PCG stated that preliminary information suggests the vessel was not overloaded, a common issue in past maritime accidents in the archipelago.
The Philippines, an archipelago nation of more than 7,000 islands, relies heavily on ferries for inter-island transport. However, the industry has a history of safety challenges, often exacerbated by aging vessels and unpredictable weather patterns.
As the search continues for the missing passengers, families wait anxiously for news, hoping for more survivors to be found in the vast waters of the Sulu Sea.