At least 15 people have died and more than 100 are still missing after a ferry sank off the coast of the Philippines.
Philippine authorities said the passenger and cargo ferry M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, which was carrying more than 350 people from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island in Sulu Province, sank about one mile off Basilan Island.
In a statement, officials confirmed that at least 15 people were killed, while more than 100 others remain missing.
The Philippine Coast Guard said there were 332 passengers and 27 crew members on board, noting that the vessel likely sank due to technical problems despite favorable weather conditions.
Authorities reported that at least 316 people have been rescued so far and emphasized that search and rescue operations are ongoing.
The rescue efforts involve vessels from the Coast Guard and Navy, a surveillance aircraft, a Black Hawk helicopter from the Air Force, and local fishing boats.