A ferry sank off the southern coast of the Philippines, killing at least 15 people. The MV Trisha Kerstin 3 was carrying more than 350 passengers and crew. Rescue teams saved 316 people, but 28 are still missing. The ferry, which carried both cargo and passengers, was traveling from Mindanao to Jolo island. It sent a distress call at 1:50 local time on Monday. Authorities are investigating the cause of the sinking. The Philippines, made up of more than 7,100 islands, often faces ferry accidents. “Based on the account of some survivors, the waters in the area were rough at the time,” said Philippine Coast Guard spokeswoman Noemie Cayabyab. A video from Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman showed survivors wrapped in blankets after rescue. Ronalyn Perez, an emergency responder in Basilan, said rescuers are struggling with many patients and are short-staffed. Poor maintenance and overloading are common reasons for ferry accidents in the country. Despite the risks, many Filipinos still use ferries because they are cheap. In May 2023, a ferry fire killed 28 people, including children and a six-month-old baby. In 2022, a ferry fire killed at least seven people. The investigation into this sinking continues.