15 dead in ferry sinking in Basilan, Southern Philippines

A passenger ferry carrying more than 350 people on board sank on Monday morning off the waters of Basilan in Southern Philippines. 15 people have been confirmed dead and nearly 30 others are missing, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. At least 316 have been rescued.

The MV Trisha Kerstin 3 left the Port of Zamboanga City late Sunday night but issued a distress signal shortly before 2am on Monday. But President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has already ordered the state’s welfare agency to extend aid to the victims of the incident.