A ferry carrying hundreds of people sank near the Philippines

There were 332 passengers and 27 crew members on board, according to the Associated Press.

According to the coast guard, at least 316 people have been rescued, and the search for the missing continues. During the rescue operations, rescuers have already found at least 15 bodies, and 43 people are still missing.

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The incident occurred about one nautical mile off the coast of Basilan province. The ferry was heading to Jolo Island in Sulu province when, according to preliminary information, it encountered technical problems and sank.

The Coast Guard, Navy, air units, and local fishing vessels are involved in the rescue operations. Some of the survivors and bodies of the victims have been taken to the administrative center of Isabela province.

The cause of the accident is still unknown, and the investigation is ongoing. Preliminary data indicates that the ferry was not clearly overloaded and had undergone a safety inspection before departure.

Photo: vesseljoin.com.