A ferry boat sinking in the southern Philippines has claimed at least 15 lives, with 316 people rescued and 28 still missing as of Monday evening, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. MV Trisha Kerstin 3 issued a distress call at 1:50 AM local time while traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu, triggering an ongoing multi-agency search and rescue operation off Basilan province.
The incident marks the latest maritime disaster in a country where sea travel remains essential for inter-island connectivity. The Philippine Coast Guard has mobilized vessels and aircraft in coordination with the Navy and Air Force to locate the missing passengers, with search operations continuing through deteriorating weather conditions.
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