Manila. An inter-island ferry sank in the sea near Basilan province in the southern Philippines. More than 300 people including passengers and employees were aboard this ferry. Media reports quoting officials have said that at least 13 bodies have been recovered so far, while more than 100 people are still missing. According to reports, the Philippines Coast Guard in southwestern Mindanao said the ferry was heading from Zamboanga city to Jolo island in Sulu province. Meanwhile, this accident happened near Balukbaluk Island located in Haji Mutamad area of Basilan province. As of Monday morning, rescue teams have pulled out at least 13 bodies from the sea. Dozens of people have been rescued safely with the help of Coast Guard, Navy ships and fishing boats present nearby.
The Coast Guard said 244 passengers had been rescued. The reason for the sinking of the ferry is not clear at present. This matter will be investigated. The Coast Guard says the ferry was inspected at Zamboanga port before departure and there were no signs of being overloaded. The exact number of survivors is still being verified. Search and rescue operations are continuing. Despite rough sea conditions, aircraft and maritime resources have been deployed in the area.
Officials say that the real reason for the accident will be revealed only after investigation. Maritime accidents occur frequently in the Philippines. The main reasons for this are frequent storms, poorly maintained boats, overcrowding and lack of strict enforcement of safety rules, especially in remote areas. Earlier in December 1987, a major maritime accident had occurred in the Philippines, when the ferry named Dona Paz collided with a fuel tanker. More than 4,300 people died in that accident and it is considered the world’s biggest peacetime maritime accident.