Basilan ferry sinking incidents once again put maritime safety in the spotlight after a passenger vessel carrying more than 300 people sank off the waters near Basilan early Monday morning, leaving at least eight confirmed fatalities and triggering large-scale rescue operations by local authorities and the Philippine Coast Guard. The tragedy underscores persistent concerns over inter-island sea travel safety in the Philippines.

The ill-fated vessel, identified as M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, was reported to have 342 passengers and crew on board when it encountered trouble near Piles Island, Basilar province. According to local officials, the ferry was en route from Zambian City to Solo, Lulu, when it sank under circumstances that are still being investigated.

Basilar town mayor Arsina Laja Kahing-Nanoh confirmed the fatalities in a statement posted on social media, saying there were “eight confirmed casualties” as of Monday afternoon. Authorities cautioned that the number could still change as search and rescue operations remain ongoing.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. Ronalyn Perez, a Basilar emergency responder, told Agence France-Presse that at least 138 passengers had been rescued and brought to safety. Survivors were immediately transported to nearby hospitals and evacuation centers for medical assessment and treatment.

“The real challenge right now is the number of patients arriving immediately,” Perez said. “We are currently short-staffed, and the local hospital is struggling to accommodate everyone.” She added that 18 individuals were admitted to a local hospital, many suffering from injuries, shock, and symptoms of near-drowning.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it is actively coordinating with its Southern Mindanao units to intensify search and rescue efforts. Coast Guard vessels, along with local fishermen and volunteers, were deployed to scour the surrounding waters for possible survivors and debris from the sunken ferry.

In a separate statement, the PCG assured the public that all available maritime assets were being utilized to locate missing passengers. Authorities also urged families of those on board to remain calm and to coordinate with local government units for official updates.

While the exact cause of the sinking has not yet been determined, investigators are looking into several factors, including weather conditions, vessel seaworthiness, and possible overloading. Initial reports did not immediately confirm whether the ferry had sent a distress signal before it went down.

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands and a population of approximately 116 million, relies heavily on ferries for transportation between provinces. However, the country has a long history of maritime accidents, often blamed on aging vessels, lax enforcement of safety regulations, and unpredictable sea conditions.

In 2023, more than 30 people lost their lives when a fire broke out on a ferry in the southern Philippines, underscoring persistent risks faced by daily commuters and travelers. Similar incidents in previous years have prompted calls for stricter maritime safety standards and more rigorous inspections.

As families wait anxiously for news of their loved ones, government agencies are once again under pressure to ensure accountability and to prevent future tragedies at sea. For now, rescue teams continue their race against time, hoping to find more survivors amid the vast waters off Basilar.

Authorities said updates will be released as more information becomes available.