Ferry disaster in southern Philippines kills 15

A passenger ferry carrying more than 350 people sank early Monday off an island in the southern Philippines, leaving at least 15 people dead while hundreds were rescued, officials said.

The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, an inter-island cargo and passenger vessel, was traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo island in Sulu province with 332 passengers and 27 crew members when it developed technical problems and went down shortly after midnight, according to the coast guard.

The ferry sank in calm weather about one nautical mile from the village of Baluk-baluk in Basilan province. Many survivors were initially brought ashore there, coast guard commander Romel Dua told the Associated Press.

Dua said a coast guard safety officer on board the ferry was able to alert authorities before the vessel sank. The officer survived, prompting an immediate deployment of rescue assets.

Coast guard and navy ships, fishing boats, a surveillance aircraft and an air force Black Hawk helicopter joined the search and rescue operation off Basilan, officials said.

Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman said dozens of passengers were taken to Isabela City, the provincial capital. He confirmed that two bodies were recovered there.

The coast guard said at least 316 people had been rescued as of Monday, with search operations continuing. The cause of the sinking was not immediately known, and an investigation has been ordered. Officials said the ferry had passed inspection before departure and showed no signs of overloading.

Maritime accidents are frequent in the Philippines, often blamed on poor vessel maintenance, overcrowding and weak enforcement of safety rules, reports UNB.