At least seven people died after a passenger ferry carrying more than 350 individuals capsized off the Philippines on January 25, 2026, according to local authorities. Rescue operations are ongoing, with over 280 survivors safely evacuated as of Monday. The vessel, en route to Cebu from Leyte, encountered sudden engine failure amid rough seas, leading to its rapid sinking.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo confirmed the incident occurred during peak travel hours, complicating evacuation efforts. “Our teams are working around the clock to account for all passengers and crew,” Balilo stated, noting that adverse weather conditions have hampered search efforts.
Ferry accidents remain a recurring challenge in the Philippines, an archipelago reliant on maritime transport. This year, the government had pledged to modernize aging vessels, but implementation delays persist. The incident has reignited debates over maritime safety standards in Southeast Asia’s busiest waterways.
