At Least 15 Dead in Philippines Ferry Sinking

At least 15 people have died after a ferry, the M V Trisha Kerstin 3, sank in the Philippines in the early hours of Monday. The ferry was carrying 342 people.

Authorities are continuing search and rescue operations. By noon, 316 people had been rescued, while at least 28 remain missing, according to coast guard official Rommel Dua.

The coast guard assured that the ferry was not overloaded. Videos released show survivors being pulled from the water and receiving first aid.

Arsina Laja Kahing Nano, mayor of a community near the site of the tragedy, reported that the confirmed deaths have reached 15. The ferry was en route to Sulu Island.

Ferries in the Philippines are often poorly maintained and rarely inspected, yet they are a primary means of transport. In 1987, the sinking of the Dona Paz resulted in over 4,300 deaths, while in 2015, the Kim Nirvana capsized, leaving 61 dead.