18 dead, 24 missing as ferry sinks in southern Philippines

18 dead, 24 missing as ferry sinks in southern Philippines

At least 18 people have died and 24 remain missing after a ferry sank in the southern Philippines on Monday (Jan 26).

The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, carrying over 350 passengers issued a distress call at around 1.50am, roughly four hours after leaving Zamboanga City for Jolo Island.

Video released by the Philippine Coast Guard showed survivors being pulled from the water and receiving medical attention. Survivors could be heard shouting for help in the dark in one live video on Facebook.

Investigators have yet to determine the cause. The coast guard said in a statement that the vessel was not overloaded.

The Philippines has long struggled with ferry safety, relying on poorly regulated boats and ships for transport between the country's more than 7,000 islands.