A ferry carrying more than 350 passengers on board sank in the southern Philippines overnight, leaving at least 15 people dead.
Rescuers saved at least 215 people after the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, a cargo and passenger ferry, encountered technical problems and sank, according to coast guard officials.
Mujiv Hataman, governor of the island province of Basilan near where the ferry capsized, told AP that several passengers and two bodies were brought to Isabela, the provincial capital.
'I'm receiving 37 people here in the pier. Unfortunately, two are dead,' Hataman said from the Isabela pier.
It was later reported 15 bodies had been found, however, the death toll is expected to rise as dozens are still missing.
The ship reportedly sent out a distress signal in the early hours of Monday before it sank near Baluk-Baluk Island, local media reports.
Footage posted to social media showed passengers wearing life jackets screaming in the middle of the sea, while some used items like suitcases to keep themselves afloat.
Separate images showed the coast guard working at the scene to rescue passengers.
The tragedy comes after four people died after a ferry with 65 people on board sank off the coast of Bali back in July.
A ferry carrying more than 350 passengers on board sank in the southern Philippines overnight
Rescuers saved at least 215 people after the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 encountered technical problems and sank
Footage posted to social media showed passengers wearing life jackets screaming in the middle of the sea
The vessel, en route from Ketapang Port in East Java to Gilimanuk Port, reportedly suffered a critical engine-room leak, leading to a complete power failure and eventual capsizing.
According to local media, the ferry transmitted a distress signal in the early hours of July 3, and a nearby ferry tried to reach the boat to help.
Despite swift response efforts, the vessel was found overturned and drifting southward just minutes later.
Three passengers and one crew member were initially reported confirmed dead, while at least 29 people were rescued.
In footage provided to the Daily Mail, emergency services can be seen speeding along the dark water to the vessel.
