Ferry Sinks off Southern Philippines
An additional 28 individuals remain unaccounted for, as reported by a local English-language newspaper.
The ship, named the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, was traveling toward Jolo Island in Sulu province when the incident occurred.
Officials from the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed that 316 passengers were successfully saved, while search-and-rescue efforts continue with assistance from navy vessels and helicopters.
The doomed ferry transmitted a distress call at approximately 1.50 am (1750GMT Sunday), about four hours after leaving the Port of Zamboanga City, located at the southwestern edge of Mindanao.
Preliminary information indicated that the boat was transporting more than 330 passengers along with 27 crew members when it sank in the sea near Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan.
Video footage shared by the coast guard captured survivors being hauled from the water and given medical care, with cries for help echoing through the darkness.
Officials have launched a maritime accident inquiry to identify what caused the tragedy.
Authorities also confirmed that no oil leakage was detected from the sunken vessel.
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