Manila: At least 15 people have died, and 28 are still
missing after a boat carrying more than 350 people capsized near the southern
Philippine province of Basilan.
According to local authorities, the accident occurred when
the passenger ship MV Trisha Kristen 3 departed from the port city of Zamboanga
and was heading to the southern island of Jolo.
According to records, the ship was carrying 332 passengers
and 27 crew members. The boat sent a distress signal at 1:50 a.m., about four
hours after departing from Zamboanga City. The boat sank in good weather about
2 kilometers off the island village of Balak-Balak in Basilan province, where
several survivors were initially evacuated.
Southern Mindanao Coast Guard Commander Romil Dua said 316
people have been rescued so far, while 15 people have been confirmed dead and
28 are still missing.
He said a Coast Guard plane has also left to assist in the
rescue operation, the Navy and Air Force have also sent their resources, and
those who were rescued and those who needed medical attention have been
transferred to a hospital in the capital, Isabela.
Medical staff member Ronalyn Perez said the main problem is
the large number of patients coming here, and we are currently short of staff.
Basilan Governor Majeed Hataman shared videos of scenes from
Isabela port on Facebook, in which survivors can be seen being unloaded from
boats, some covered with thermal blankets while others are being transferred on
stretchers.
According to Governor Hataman, most of the victims are in
good condition, but several elderly passengers required immediate medical
attention. Authorities are re-examining the passenger list during the rescue
operation.
Coast Guard Commander Rommel Dua said the cause of the
ferry's sinking was not immediately known and would be investigated. The Coast
Guard cleared the ship before departure and there were no signs of overloading.
Maritime accidents are common in an archipelago like the Philippines, with
causes including severe weather conditions, poorly maintained ships,
overcrowding and poor enforcement of safety rules.
In December 1987, the ferry Dona Paz sank in the central Philippines
after colliding with an oil tanker, killing more than 4,300 people, in what is
considered the worst peaceful maritime disaster in world history.
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