Philippines Ferry Disaster Claims Lives as Hundreds Rescued from Sinking Vessel
At least fifteen people have been confirmed dead and hundreds more rescued following a devastating ferry disaster in the southern Philippines. The MV Trisha Kerstin 3, an inter-island cargo and passenger ferry, sank overnight, prompting a massive search and rescue operation that has so far saved 316 individuals.
Details of the Maritime Tragedy
The ferry was sailing from the port city of Zamboanga to Jolo island in Sulu province with 332 passengers and 27 crew members on board. According to coast guard officials, the vessel apparently encountered technical problems and sank after midnight, issuing a distress call at 1:50 local time on Monday.
Commander Romel Dua of the Philippine Coast Guard reported that the ferry went down in good weather conditions approximately one nautical mile from the island village of Baluk-baluk in Basilan province. A coast guard safety officer was aboard the ferry and was the first to alert authorities, enabling a swift deployment of rescue vessels.
Rescue Operations and Survivor Accounts
Rescue efforts involved coast guard and navy ships, a surveillance plane, an air force Black Hawk helicopter, and numerous fishing boats. These teams worked tirelessly off the coast of Basilan to locate survivors in the dark waters.
One of the rescued passengers, Mohamad Khan, described the terrifying moments when the ferry abruptly tilted to one side and began taking on water. He recounted how people, including himself and his wife who was holding their six-month-old baby, were hurled into the sea. Tragically, while Khan and his wife were rescued, their infant drowned in the incident.
Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman confirmed receiving 37 people at Isabela pier, noting that two were dead upon arrival. The coast guard has stated that 316 passengers have been rescued and at least 15 bodies have been recovered, with 28 individuals still missing as search operations continue.
Investigation into the Cause
The cause of the ferry sinking remains unclear at this stage. Commander Dua emphasised that an investigation will be conducted to determine what led to the tragedy. He added that the coast guard had cleared the ferry before its departure from Zamboanga port and there was no immediate sign of overloading, raising questions about potential mechanical failures or other unforeseen issues.
This disaster highlights the ongoing challenges in maritime safety in the region, as authorities work to provide answers and support to the affected families. The community remains hopeful for the safe recovery of those still missing, while mourning the lives lost in this tragic event at sea.
