Ferry with over 300 passengers sinks in southern Philippines, rescue underway

A passenger ship sank off the coast of Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, in the southern Philippines early Monday morning, leaving multiple casualties. The MV Trisha Kerstin 3 was carrying more than 300 people when the incident occurred. The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed 13 deaths, while over 200 passengers have been rescued. Local officials, including Basilan town mayor Arsina Laja Kahing-Nanoh, reported at least eight fatalities, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Maritime accidents are common in the Philippines due to frequent storms, overcrowded or poorly maintained vessels, and inconsistent enforcement of safety regulations, especially in remote areas. The disaster recalls the tragic 1987 ferry accident involving the Dona Paz, which collided with a fuel tanker and claimed over 4,300 lives, the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster in history.

Credit : CGTN