A deadly ferry accident shocked the southern Philippines early Monday after a passenger vessel sank while travelling from Zamboanga to Sulu Province. The ferry went down near Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan Province while heading toward Jolo Island, triggering a massive rescue operation.
The vessel carried 359 passengers and crew members. Officials confirmed that 15 people lost their lives in the incident, while 28 others remain missing. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as search efforts continue in rough sea conditions.
Rescue teams responded quickly after receiving distress alerts. The Philippines Coast Guard, local fishermen, and nearby ships joined the operation. They managed to rescue 316 people and move them to nearby medical facilities for treatment and safety checks.
Officials have not yet identified the cause of the sinking. Investigators have launched a detailed probe to determine whether weather conditions, technical failure, or overloading led to the tragedy. Search teams continue to scan the waters for survivors.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about maritime safety in the region. Authorities urged ferry operators to strictly follow safety norms to prevent similar disasters in the future.
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