Philippines authorities reported tragedy after a crowded ferry sank early Monday.
Philippines rescuers confirmed at least 18 people died in the accident.

The ferry carried more than 350 passengers and crew members.
It went down near an island in the country’s south.

However, rescue teams saved hundreds from the water.
Meanwhile, ships and aircraft searched for those still missing.

Coast guard officials said the ferry sank after midnight.
Apparently, it suffered technical trouble during the voyage.

Suddenly, the steel-hulled vessel tilted to one side.
Then, water rushed in and chaos followed.

As a result, many passengers fell into the dark sea.
Survivors described panic and confusion on board.

One passenger, Mohamad Khan, shared a heartbreaking account.
He said the waves separated him from his family.

“My wife lost hold of our baby,” Khan said.
Tragically, the six-month-old child drowned.

Both parents survived after rescuers pulled them from the water.
His wife cried as he told their story.

The ferry, M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, left Zamboanga City earlier.
It traveled toward Jolo island in Sulu province.

Officials said 332 passengers and 27 crew were on board.
The weather remained calm during the trip.

The ferry sank about one nautical mile from Basilan province.
It went down near the village of Baluk-baluk.

According to Commander Romel Dua, help arrived quickly.
A coast guard officer on board sent the first alert.

Because of that call, rescue vessels deployed immediately.
Both safety marshals survived the sinking.

Rescuers pulled at least 316 people from the sea.
Sadly, recovery teams later found 18 bodies.

Still, about two dozen people remained missing.
Therefore, search efforts continued through the day.

The coast guard, navy, and air force joined operations.
Fishing boats also helped scour the area.

Authorities said investigators will examine the cause.
So far, officials found no signs of overloading.

They also reviewed reports of passengers who skipped boarding.
If true, the missing count could drop.

Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman met survivors at the pier.
Ambulances stood ready as victims arrived.

“I received 37 people here,” Hataman said.
“Unfortunately, two were already dead.”

Sea accidents remain common in the Philippines.
Weak enforcement and aging vessels raise risks.

Now, the nation mourns the dead.
Meanwhile, families wait anxiously for news of the missing.

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