Basilan, Philippines – At least 18 people died when a passenger ferry capsized off the coast of Basilan province on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, sparking a large-scale rescue operation involving the coast guard, navy, and local fishermen. The vessel, carrying an estimated 350 passengers and crew, was traveling from Zamboanga City to Isabela City when it encountered trouble.
Ferry Disaster in the Philippines Leaves Dozens Feared Lost
Table of Contents
has left at least 18 confirmed dead, wiht dozens still missing as of Thursday, August 10, 2023.
- The ferry, MV princess Nurul, was carrying approximately 350 people when it capsized.
- At least 18 fatalities have been confirmed, and 24 remain missing as of Thursday morning.
- 317 passengers and crew were rescued following the incident.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the sinking, with initial reports suggesting calm sea conditions.
- Vice President Sara Duterte expressed sadness over the loss of life.
What caused the ferry to sink? While the sea was reported as calm, the exact cause of the MV Princess Nurul’s capsize remains under examination. Authorities are examining potential factors,including mechanical failure and whether the vessel was overloaded.
Rescue Efforts and Survivor Accounts
The philippine Coast Guard led the immediate response, deploying vessels and personnel to the scene. The navy and local fishermen also joined the search and rescue efforts, successfully pulling 317 individuals from the water, according to the Philippine News Agency. Survivors described scenes of panic as the ferry began to list and eventually overturned.
Vice President Expresses Condolences
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her deep sadness over the tragic incident. According to the Inquirer.net, she extended her condolences to the families of the victims and pledged support for the ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
Ongoing Search for Missing Passengers
As of Thursday, August 10, 2023, authorities continue to search for the 24 individuals still unaccounted for. The search area has been expanded, and additional resources have been deployed in hopes of locating any remaining survivors. The incident has prompted renewed calls for stricter safety regulations and enforcement for passenger vessels operating in the Philippines.
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, relies heavily on sea travel. Ferry accidents, however, are unfortunately common due to factors such as overcrowding, poor maintenance, and inadequate safety standards.
we encourage readers to share their thoughts and condolences in the comments below.
