Ferry with over 350 aboard sinks off the Philippines; at least 10 dead

A passenger ferry sank off the southern Philippines, killing at least 10 people and leaving others missing as search and rescue operations continue, according to local officials.

The ferry went down around 1 a.m. Monday near Baluk-Baluk Island off Basilan province, officials said. The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo in Sulu province when it sent a distress call shortly before sinking.

The ship was carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members at the time, the Associated Press reported, citing the Philippine Coast Guard.

Local authorities confirmed at least 10 fatalities, including a six-month-old infant, according to Brigada News. Authorities reported that at least 223 passengers have been rescued, while others remained unaccounted for, including children and elderly people.

The cause of the incident is not yet known, and search and rescue teams are continuing to work at the site looking for survivors.