Ferry carrying over 300 passengers sinks in the Philippines, many dead and missing
Jan 26, 2026
Manila [Philippines], January 26: Initial reports indicate that the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 ferry experienced a technical malfunction and sank while en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island (Sulu province) in southern Philippines.
AFP reported today, citing official Arsina Laja Kahing-Nanoh on Pilas Island (Hadji Muhtamad town, Basilan province, Philippines), that at least eight people died in the ferry sinking after midnight on January 25th, carrying 342 passengers.
According to Philippine Coast Guard officials , the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 ferry experienced a technical malfunction and sank while en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island (Sulu province). In addition to passengers, there were 27 crew members on board.
The Coast Guard is currently actively involved in the search and rescue efforts for the victims of the ferry sinking, alongside the Philippine Navy and numerous fishing vessels.
Emergency responders Ronalyn Perez in Basilan province said at least 138 people had been rescued. "The real difficulty here is the sheer number of patients coming in. We are currently short on personnel," Perez said, adding that 18 people had been taken to a local hospital.
Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman said that some passengers and at least two bodies had been brought to Isabela, the provincial capital.
"I am receiving 37 people at this pier. Unfortunately, two have died," AP quoted Hataman as saying from Isabela pier.
As of the morning of January 26, the commander of the Southern Mindanao Coast Guard, Romel Dua, said that 144 people were still missing. Dua said an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the incident, according to Reuters.
Maritime accidents are frequent in the Philippines, particularly on ferries traveling between islands. In 2023, more than 30 people died when a ferry caught fire in the southern part of the country.
A particularly serious accident occurred in 1987 when the Dona Paz ferry collided with an oil tanker and sank in central Philippines, killing more than 4,300 people.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
