15 killed when a ferry sank in the Philippines, hundreds rescued

The Philippine Coast Guard said today that the death toll in a passenger ferry sinking in the south of the country has risen to at least 15 with 316 rescued, while the search continues for dozens of missing people.

The accident occurred at 1:50 a.m. today while the ferry MV Trisha Kersten 3 was en route to Jolo in Sulu province, after departing from Zamboanga.

The Coast Guard said the ferry was carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members.

The Coast Guard said that the ferry, which was operating within its permitted passenger capacity of 352 passengers, had 332 passengers and 27 crew members on board.