On January 26, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that the death toll in the ferry accident in southern Philippines has increased to at least 15 people, while 316 people were rescued.
The accident occurred at 1:50 am (local time) on January 26, when the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 passenger train was en route to Jolo, Sulu province, after leaving Zamboanga city.
According to PCG, the ship operated within the permitted limit with a capacity of 352 passengers, with 332 passengers and 27 crew members on board.
Commander of PCG South Mindanao area - Mr. Romel Dua - emphasized that search and rescue teams reviewing the area in relatively calm water conditions have helped speed up progress, but noted that there are still 28 missing people.
According to Mr. Dua, an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident. Aircraft and military ships have been deployed to support rescue work, he added.
Mr. Mujiv Hataman - governor of Basilan Island province - shared videos from the scene at Isabela port on Mindanao Island on Facebook, showing the survivors being brought ashore, some wrapped in heat blankets, and others being carried on stretchers.
Talking to local media, Mr. Hataman said that most of the survivors are in stable condition, but some elderly passengers need emergency medical care. He also added that authorities are still reviewing the passenger list as rescue operations continue.
Every year, dozens of people die from ferry accidents in the Philippines, an archipelago nation with more than 7,000 islands and inadequate maritime safety records.
