Philippines Ferry Tragedy Leaves 15 Dead as Rescue Teams Save Hundreds

Post by : Saif Nasser

A deadly ferry accident in the southern Philippines has claimed at least 15 lives, while hundreds of passengers have been rescued in a large and urgent search operation. The tragedy has once again drawn attention to long-standing concerns over maritime safety in the island nation.

The accident happened early Monday morning at around 1:50 a.m. as the passenger vessel, MV Trisha Kerstin 3, was traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo in Sulu province. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the ferry was operating within its approved capacity. There were 332 passengers and 27 crew members on board at the time of the incident.

Rescue operations began quickly after the accident. The Coast Guard said 316 people have been saved so far, but at least 28 passengers are still missing. Search and rescue teams continue to scan the surrounding waters, which have remained relatively calm, helping speed up recovery efforts. Military aircraft and naval vessels have also been deployed to support the search.

Coast Guard Commander Romel Dua said an investigation is under way to determine what caused the ferry to run into trouble. Authorities are examining whether mechanical issues, human error, or other factors played a role. Officials are also carefully checking the passenger list to confirm the exact number of people on board.

Video clips shared by Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman showed survivors arriving at the port in Isabela, Basilan province. Many were wrapped in thermal blankets, while others were carried on stretchers by rescue workers. The scenes reflected both relief and shock among those who survived the journey.

Governor Hataman said most of the rescued passengers were in stable condition. However, several elderly survivors required urgent medical attention and were taken to nearby hospitals. Medical teams remain on standby as more survivors are brought ashore.

Ferry accidents are sadly not uncommon in the Philippines, a country made up of more than 7,000 islands where boats are a primary form of transport. Overcrowding, poor weather, and weak safety enforcement have often been blamed for past disasters. Each new incident renews calls for stricter safety rules and better monitoring of passenger vessels.

As families wait anxiously for news of missing loved ones, authorities have pledged to continue search efforts until all passengers are accounted for. The tragedy has left the nation grieving and has once again raised serious questions about how to prevent such disasters in the future.