Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Philippine Ferry Sinks on ZamboangaJolo Route With 18 Dead as Search Continues

More than 300 people have been rescued, with dozens still unaccounted as investigators work to determine the cause.

Overview

  • The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 went down before dawn near the Basilan island chain during a voyage from Zamboanga to Jolo.
  • The Philippine Coast Guard reports 359 people were on board—332 passengers and 27 crew—with at least 18 confirmed fatalities.
  • Latest official tallies indicate roughly 316–317 survivors and about two dozen still missing, and authorities caution the numbers may change.
  • Search-and-rescue operations involve coast guard aircraft and vessels supported by the navy, air force and civilian boats.
  • Operator Aleson Shipping Lines issued condolences as officials investigate the sinking against a pattern of recurrent ferry safety failures in the archipelago.