A major maritime tragedy unfolded off the southern coast of the Philippines as the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, a combined cargo and passenger ferry, sank in turbulent waters, resulting in at least 15 fatalities. Search and rescue operations have successfully saved 316 individuals from the vessel that was carrying over 350 people when it issued a distress signal at 1:50 AM local time on Monday (17:50 GMT Sunday).
The ferry was en route from Mindanao, the nation’s southern mainland, to Jolo island in the southwest Philippines when the incident occurred. Philippine Coast Guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab indicated in a televised interview that rough sea conditions reported by survivors may have contributed to the disaster. The archipelago nation, consisting of approximately 7,100 islands, has experienced numerous maritime accidents throughout its history.
Rescue efforts faced significant challenges as emergency responders became overwhelmed by the influx of survivors. Basilan emergency responder Ronalyn Perez confirmed to AFP that medical facilities were experiencing staffing shortages due to the volume of patients requiring attention. Social media footage shared by Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman showed survivors wrapped in blankets disembarking from rescue vessels.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the sinking, examining factors such as vessel maintenance, loading procedures, and weather conditions. The Philippines has historically struggled with maritime safety standards, with poor maintenance and overloading frequently cited in previous ferry accidents. Despite these risks, ferry travel remains a primary transportation method for many Filipinos due to its affordability.
This incident follows other recent maritime tragedies in the region, including a May 2023 ferry fire that claimed 28 lives, including three children, and a high-speed ferry fire the previous year that resulted in at least seven fatalities among 134 passengers.