At Least 18 Dead as Philippines Ferry Sinks

At least 18 people have died after a ferry carrying over 350 passengers and crew sank in the waters off the southern Philippines.

Rescue teams have managed to save 317 people from the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, but authorities report that at least 24 passengers are still missing.

The ferry, which carries both cargo and passengers, was traveling from the southern island of Mindanao to Jolo Island when it issued a distress call at 1:50 a.m. local time on Monday. Officials are investigating the cause of the incident.

According to a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, survivors described rough sea conditions at the time of the sinking.

Videos shared by local authorities show passengers floating in life vests, while other footage depicts survivors wrapped in blankets after being rescued. Emergency responders have said they are overwhelmed by the large number of people needing assistance.

“The challenge is the sheer number of patients coming in. We are short-staffed at the moment,” said one local emergency responder. Families of passengers have also been calling in large numbers, seeking updates on loved ones.

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands, has a history of ferry accidents, often linked to overloading and poor maintenance. Despite safety risks, ferries remain a popular and affordable mode of travel for many Filipinos.

Recent years have seen similar incidents. In May 2023, a ferry fire claimed the lives of 28 people, including children. Another ferry accident in 2022 resulted in at least seven fatalities.

Authorities are continuing rescue operations and urge passengers and families to stay alert as the search for missing individuals continues.