Fifteen Dead, Over Dozen Missing as Ferry Sinks in Philippines

(MENAFN) A passenger ferry transporting 332 travelers and 27 crew members capsized and sank in the southern Philippines on Monday during its voyage from Zamboanga City on Mindanao island to Jolo island, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed.

Initial reports indicated eight fatalities, according to Arsina Kahing-Nanoh, mayor of Hadji Muhtamad municipality where the maritime disaster unfolded.

PCG Commander Romel Dua of Southern Mindanao District subsequently informed media that 15 had died, 316 had been rescued and 28 remain missing.

Authorities have launched an investigation to establish the circumstances behind the incident, and military aircraft alongside naval vessels have been mobilized to support search and recovery operations, Dua noted.

Footage captured at the scene depicts numerous passengers adrift in surrounding waters while gripping emergency flotation devices, with several individuals equipped with life vests.

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