A ferry with more than 350 people onboard sank early Monday in choppy seas off the southern Philippines, resulting in at least 18 fatalities and leaving 24 individuals still missing, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The incident has sparked a large-scale search-and-rescue operation, highlighting the ongoing risks of maritime travel in the archipelago nation.
Distress Signal and Immediate Aftermath
The MV Trisha Kerstin 3 issued a distress signal around 1:50 am local time, just over four hours after it departed from the Port of Zamboanga City on the southwestern tip of Mindanao. The coast guard confirmed this in an official statement, noting the vessel's sudden plight in rough waters.
Survivor Accounts and Rescue Efforts
Video footage released by the governor of Basilan province showed barefoot survivors being wrapped in blankets and placed on gurneys, while victims of the sinking were carried past in body bags. At least 317 people have been rescued so far, based on the most recent tally by the Philippine Coast Guard. However, the operation faces significant challenges.
Sheryl Balondo, a rescuer in Isabela City—one of two municipalities where survivors were being taken—reported that their office had received more than 100 phone calls from concerned family members. "There’s a tug in our hearts whenever we pick up a call. Their voices sounded worried," she said. "What we can only say is that, as of now, we don’t have the final list of names, because the search and retrieval operation is ongoing."
Location and Conditions
The 44-metre ferry went down about five kilometres east of Baluk-Baluk Island, part of the Basilan province chain of islands off the Zamboanga peninsula. Philippine Coast Guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab stated in a televised interview, "Based on the account of some survivors, the waters in the area were rough at the time." This suggests adverse weather may have played a role in the tragedy.
Logistical Struggles for Rescuers
Basilan emergency responder Ronalyn Perez told AFP that rescuers were struggling to handle the influx of survivors. "The challenge really is the number of patients that are coming in. We are short-staffed at the moment," Perez explained, adding that at least 18 individuals had been brought to one local hospital. Video released by the Philippine Coast Guard depicted survivors being plucked from the water and receiving urgent medical attention.
In a live video on Facebook, some could be heard shouting for help in the dark, underscoring the chaotic and perilous nature of the incident. Romel Dua, a coast guard commander from southern Mindanao, told AFP, "We cannot say for now the reason of the sinking, but we were instructed to conduct a marine casualty investigation to determine the cause. As of now, we are focused on the rescue."
Historical Context and Safety Concerns
The triple-decker vessel sank on nearly the same route where 31 people died in 2023 after a fire aboard the Lady Mary Joy 3 ferry. Both ships were owned by locally based Aleson Shipping Lines. In a statement, the company expressed, "Our thoughts and hearts are with everyone who was on board," and noted they were "working tirelessly" in close coordination with the coast guard.
The coast guard emphasized that the ferry had not been overloaded, but this incident adds to a long history of disasters involving inter-island ferries in the Philippines. With over 7,000 islands, many residents rely on cheap and poorly regulated boats for transport, despite regular accidents that highlight systemic safety issues.
Survivors are being brought to coast guard stations in Zamboanga and Isabela City, as efforts continue to account for all passengers and crew. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in maritime infrastructure and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in the region.
