The cargo and passenger ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 appeared to suffer a technical malfunction before sinking early on 25/1. The Philippine Coast Guard stated the vessel was carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members, traveling from Zamboanga city to Jolo island in Sulu province.

According to Philippine officials, rescuers saved at least 215 people and recovered 7 bodies. Arsina Laja Kahing-Nanohm, leader of Hadji Muhtamad town in southwestern Zamboanga, later announced that 8 people had died in the ferry sinking.

The Trisha Kerstin 3 ferry in a 7/2021 photo. Photo: Marine Traffic

The Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and a fleet of fishing boats are conducting search and rescue operations in good weather conditions off the coast of southern Basilan province.

Numerous maritime accidents have occurred in the Philippines due to storms, poorly maintained vessels, overloading, and non-compliance with safety regulations, particularly in remote provinces. In 12/1987, one of the world's most severe peacetime maritime disasters happened when the Dona Paz ferry collided with an oil tanker in the central Philippines and sank, killing 4,300 people.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP)