At least 18 people have died and 24 are missing after an inter‑island ferry sank off the southern Philippines, with more than 300 passengers and crew rescued from the water, authorities said.
The passenger vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3 went down shortly before 2 a.m. on Monday near Baluk‑Baluk Island off Basilan province, as it sailed from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island in Sulu.
The Philippine Coast Guard said the ship was carrying around 332 passengers and 27 crew members; at least 317 people have been rescued so far, while the search continues for those unaccounted for.
Coast Guard vessels, navy boats and local fishermen rushed to the scene, pulling survivors from the sea; videos released by the Coast Guard show people wearing life vests being hauled aboard and treated by medics.
Officials said the waters in the area were rough at the time of the sinking, though the Coast Guard stressed the ferry was not overloaded and that a full marine casualty investigation will determine the exact cause.
