MANILA, Philippines
A cargo and passenger ferry carrying 359 people sank overnight near a southern Philippine island, killing at least 15 passengers and triggering a major rescue operation that saved 316 others, coast guard officials said Monday.
The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 was en route from Zamboanga to Jolo island in Sulu province when it apparently encountered technical problems and sank after midnight just off Baluk-baluk village in Basilan province.
The seas were calm at the time of the accident.
The survivors were initially taken to Baluk-baluk while search and rescue operations continued for the remaining passengers and crew, said coast guard commander Romel Dua.
He credited a coast guard safety officer aboard the ferry for alerting rescuers immediately.
By James Kisoo
