The United Arab Emirates has formally expressed its profound condolences and solidarity with the Republic of the Philippines following a devastating maritime tragedy in the southern island province of Basilan. The diplomatic gesture comes in response to the sinking of a passenger ferry that resulted in significant casualties and missing persons.
According to maritime authorities, the vessel carrying more than 350 passengers capsized approximately five kilometers east of Baluk-Baluk Island in the Zamboanga Peninsula region on Monday morning. Current reports indicate at least 18 fatalities with 24 individuals still unaccounted for in the ongoing search and rescue operations.
The Philippine Coast Guard released dramatic footage showing rescue teams extracting survivors from dark waters and providing emergency medical treatment. Social media platforms circulated live recordings capturing desperate pleas for assistance as the disaster unfolded in early morning darkness.
In an official statement released through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE government conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and extended solidarity with both the Philippine government and citizens. The statement emphasized shared grief over the tragic loss of life in the maritime incident.
Maritime safety experts note that such accidents occur with concerning frequency in the Philippine archipelago, where millions depend on affordable but often poorly regulated sea transportation to navigate between the nation’s 7,000-plus islands. This latest incident has renewed discussions about maritime safety standards and emergency response capabilities in the region’s vital ferry transportation network.