At least 15 people have been confirmed dead and 28 remain missing after an inter-island ferry sank off Basilan province in the southern Philippines on January 26, 2026. The vessel, carrying 332 passengers and crew, capsized during a routine voyage, prompting a large-scale rescue operation by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Coast Guard Commander Romel Dua confirmed 316 survivors were rescued following the early morning incident. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan emphasized the ferry was operating within its 350-person capacity limit, dismissing initial speculation about overloading. “The captain reported 332 individuals on board, well below the maximum allowance,” Gavan stated during a press briefing.
Rescue teams continue to search for missing passengers amid challenging maritime conditions. The PCG activated emergency protocols immediately after receiving the vessel’s distress call, deploying patrol ships and aircraft to the area. The incident has reignited debates about maritime safety standards in the archipelago nation, which relies heavily on inter-island ferries for transportation.
