At least 13 dead, hundreds missing after ferry carrying 342 passengers sinks in Basilan

By Brooke Villanueva Published Jan 26, 2026 8:59 am Updated Jan 26, 2026 9:43 am

A ferry with 342 people on board sank on the morning of Monday, Jan. 26, leaving at least 13 dead and hundreds missing.

The incident was first confirmed in a Facebook post by Arsina Laja Kahing-Nanoh, the mayor of Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan. She also released an initial list of survivors from different line agencies in another post.

According to a News5 report, the Coast Guard Southwestern Mindanao said the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 was bound for Jolo, Sulu from Zamboanga when the incident happened on Baluk-Baluk Island.

Over 200 people have been rescued as of writing, per the Coast Guard.

Search and rescue operations continue for the remaining passengers who are still missing.

This is a developing story.