A maritime disaster off the southern coast of the Philippines has left at least 18 people dead and 10 others still missing after the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 passenger ferry capsized in choppy waters. The vessel, carrying more than 300 people, sank early on Monday morning and triggered a major search and rescue mission involving multiple agencies.
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Rough Seas Claim Vessel in Early Hours
The 44-meter triple-decker ferry began experiencing trouble a little over four hours after leaving the Port of Zamboanga City, bound for Jolo Island. Around 1:50 AM, the ferry sent a distress signal. Survivors and authorities have pointed to rough water conditions at the time, with the ferry going down about five kilometers east of Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan province. The cause of the sinking is still under investigation, though initial reports highlight the severe weather as a likely factor.
Rescue Efforts Save Hundreds, Search Continues
Emergency crews managed to rescue 316 people from the water, thanks to the swift action of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and support from the Navy and Air Force, who sent aircraft and other assets to the scene. However, 18 people were confirmed dead as of the latest reports, and 10 remain unaccounted for. Coast Guard officials say the manifest was revised to reflect a total of 344 people on board, after it was found that some originally listed passengers had not boarded the ferry.
Video footage captured by authorities shows survivors being pulled from the water and provided with immediate medical care at various local ports. Medical teams in Basilan reported being stretched thin as dozens of survivors were brought for treatment.
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
A formal marine investigation is underway to determine exactly what caused the ferry to sink. The PCG affirmed that overloading was not a factor in this incident, addressing a frequent problem in previous disasters. The operator’s entire passenger fleet has since been suspended as a precaution.
The Philippines, made up of over 7,000 islands, depends heavily on ferries for inter-island transportation, but accidents remain common due to a mix of harsh weather and maintenance issues. As families await news, authorities continue their efforts to locate and rescue the 10 people still missing in the Sulu Sea.