A passenger and cargo ferry sank early Monday in the southern Philippines with more than 350 people on board, leaving at least 15 people dead and dozens missing, as rescue teams continued searching the waters of the archipelago.

The vessel, identified as the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, was traveling from the port city of Zamboanga to Jolo Island in Sulu province when it reportedly suffered technical problems and sank shortly after midnight, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. Official records indicate that 332 passengers and 27 crew members were on board.

The sinking occurred under favorable weather conditions, about one nautical mile off the island community of Baluk-baluk in Basilan province. Coast Guard commander Romel Dua said a safety officer was on board the ferry and was the first to raise the alarm after the incident.

“There was a Coast Guard officer on board who immediately called for help, allowing rescue vessels to be deployed quickly,” Dua said, adding that the officer survived the sinking.

Search and rescue operations involved Coast Guard and Navy vessels, as well as a surveillance aircraft, a Black Hawk helicopter from the Air Force, and numerous local fishing boats that assisted in rescuing survivors off the coast of Basilan.

Statement from the authorities

Provincial Governor Mujiv Hataman said that several survivors and bodies were brought to the port of Isabela, the capital of Basilan. “We are receiving survivors at the pier, but sadly there are also fatalities,” he said. Images released by local authorities showed rescued passengers receiving medical treatment upon arrival.

According to the latest official update, at least 316 people were rescued alive, while 15 bodies had been recovered. Authorities cautioned that the figures could change as rescue efforts continue and information from multiple units is verified.

The Philippine Coast Guard has launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the sinking. Dua said initial inspections before departure showed no signs of overloading, but acknowledged that the exact reason for the technical failure remains unclear.

Maritime accidents are common in the Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands where sea transport is essential. Officials often cite poor vessel maintenance, overcrowding and inconsistent enforcement of safety regulations as contributing factors, particularly in remote regions.