Last Updated:
An accident occurred in the southern part of the Philippines on Monday morning, which shook the region. A boat carrying more than 350 passengers sank. So far 244 people have been rescued alive, while 13 passengers have been confirmed dead.
An accident occurred in the southern part of the Philippines on Monday morning, which shook the region. A boat carrying more than 350 passengers sank. So far 244 people have been rescued alive, while 13 passengers have been confirmed dead. Many are still missing, with large-scale relief and rescue operations underway to locate them. According to Coast Guard officials, the vessel, named MV Trisha Kirstin 3, was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island in Sulu Province.
A total of 332 passengers and 27 crew members were on board. After midnight, the plane suddenly developed technical problems and sank in the sea near Basilan province. Surprisingly, the weather was clear at the time of the accident. There were no storms or high tides. The boat sank about two kilometers from the island. Many passengers swam to a nearby village, where they were rescued by local fishermen and villagers.
Coast Guard and Navy ships, a surveillance plane, an Air Force Black Hawk helicopter, and dozens of fishing boats are involved in the rescue operation. The search continues at sea. Several people have been taken to hospital in critical condition.
Basilan Province Governor Mujiv Hataman said ambulances were deployed to bring the injured to shore. Some dead bodies have also been recovered. The government has ordered an inquiry into the accident. Officials say they will find out how the technical fault occurred in the boat and whether there were any lapses in safety standards. Marine accidents are common in the Philippines, home to thousands of islands, where people travel daily via boats and ferries. Old aircraft, poor maintenance, overcrowding and lax safety regulations often lead to major accidents.
The worst maritime accident in the country’s history occurred in 1987, when the Doña Paz ferry collided with an oil tanker. More than 4,300 people lost their lives in that accident. The current incident has once again raised questions about how long sea travel will remain dangerous.
Jan 26, 2026 11:55 AM IST
Philippines Ferry Accident: Boat full of 350 people drowned in the sea, there was a lot of screaming, Navy-Air Force in rescue
&w=360&resize=360,240&ssl=1 "The woman hit the dog in the bathroom when not allowing to get the ship to rise")
