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MANILA, Philippines – A passenger ferry carrying over 350 people sank off the coast of Basilan province in the southern Philippines on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, leaving at least 18 confirmed dead and sparking a fleet-wide grounding of the shipping company involved. It’s a grim reminder of the ongoing safety challenges in the archipelago nation’s maritime sector.
Ferry sinking Prompts Safety Review, Fleet grounding
The incident, involving the MV Lady Mary Joy 3, has triggered an immediate safety review and a suspension of all Aleson Shipping Lines vessels.
- The MV Lady Mary Joy 3 capsized approximately 4.3 nautical miles off the coast of Molave, Basilan.
- At least 18 fatalities have been confirmed as of Wednesday evening, with search and rescue operations continuing.
- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has grounded the entire Aleson Shipping Lines fleet pending investigation.
- Survivors described scenes of panic and a desperate wait for rescue, highlighting potential safety lapses.
- The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
What caused the ferry to sink? While the exact cause remains under investigation, authorities are focusing on whether the vessel was overloaded or if weather conditions played a role. the ferry was reportedly authorized to carry 370 passengers, but carried 388 at the time of the incident.
The sinking occurred around 8:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) as the ferry was traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo,Sulu,according to the Philippine Coast Guard. Coast Guard personnel, along with the Navy and local fishermen, promptly launched search and rescue efforts. As of Wednesday evening,225 passengers and crew had been rescued,while the search for remaining survivors continued.
Survivors Recount Chaotic Scenes
Accounts from survivors paint a harrowing picture of panic and desperation as the ferry began to list and eventually capsize.Many described a chaotic scramble for life vests and a long, agonizing wait in the water before rescuers arrived. “It happened so fast,” said one survivor, interviewed by local radio.”People were screaming, pushing, trying to get to the lifeboats. It was terrifying.”
The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,000 islands where ferries are a crucial mode of transportation, has a history of maritime disasters.Overcrowding, aging vessels, and inadequate safety enforcement have contributed to numerous tragedies in the past. This incident echoes past disasters, raising serious questions about the oversight of the maritime industry.
The grounding of the Aleson Shipping Lines fleet serves as a stark warning and a call for stricter regulations and improved safety standards across the Philippine maritime industry. The nation mourns the loss of life and hopes for the safe return of those still missing.
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