politics
January 26, 2026
At least 18 killed and hundreds rescued in Philippines ferry disaster
A ferry with more than 350 people on board sank early Monday near an island in the southern Philippines, killing at least 18 people, officials said. Rescuers saved hundreds more, while a fleet of coast guard and naval ships searched for those still missing.
TL;DR
- A ferry, the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, carrying over 350 people sank off the coast of Basilan province in the southern Philippines.
- At least 18 people died, while over 316 passengers and crew were rescued.
- The ferry was sailing from Zamboanga to Jolo island and sank about a nautical mile from Baluk-baluk island.
- Rescuers, including coast guard and naval ships, are searching for the remaining missing individuals.
- The cause of the sinking is under investigation, with officials checking for any last-minute passenger changes.
- Sea accidents are common in the Philippines due to storms, poor maintenance, overcrowding, and lax safety enforcement.