As per reports, a roll-on/roll-off passenger-cargo vessel, MV Trisha Kerstin 3, sank in the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan, in the southern Philippines during the early hours of Monday (26 January).

The Philippine Coast Guard later confirmed at least 15 casualties, 28 missing persons, and 316 survivors. The details are as follows:

• The ferry was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu. The vessel departed the Port of Zamboanga City at around 2120 hours (local time) on Sunday (25 January).
• It issued a distress signal at approximately 0150 hours (local time) on Monday (26 January), around four hours after departure. Initial estimates indicated that more than 330 passengers and 27 crew members were onboard at the time of the incident.
• Survivors were rescued and transported to Basilan and Zamboanga, with at least 223 survivors gathered at Isabela City Port. A minimum of 23 people were transferred to the Basilan Medical Center, while others were taken to facilities in Zamboanga.
• Emergency responders reported staffing shortages due to the sudden influx of patients. The Coast Guard stated that the vessel was operating within its authorized passenger capacity and that no oil spill had been detected.
• Search and rescue operations remain ongoing, supported by Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force assets. A marine casualty investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the sinking.