According to CCTV News, a Philippine ferry carrying more than 350 people sank in the southern waters of the country on Jan. 26. As of 8:38 am, 316 people have been rescued, 15 have died, and 43 remain missing, said the Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard's Southwestern Mindanao District. Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing.
The Philippine Coast Guard stated that the ferry was traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island in Sulu Province when it sank near the waters of Basilan Province. The exact number of survivors is still being verified. It is reported that the vessel was carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members at the time of the incident.
Upon receiving distress calls, the Philippine Coast Guard deployed rescue forces to the scene. The ongoing rescue efforts are being supported in coordination with merchant ships, the Philippine Armed Forces, and relevant government agencies. The Coast Guard noted that no signs of fuel leakage have been detected from the sunken vessel so far.
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines stated that the incident occurred in the Davao region and is working with the Davao consulate to gather more information. Philippine authorities are intensifying search and rescue operations, but the nationalities of those involved have yet to be confirmed.
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