Philippines Ferry Sinking off Basilan Triggers Major Rescue Operation and Renewed Maritime Safety Scrutiny
A passenger ferry carrying more than 350 people sank off Basilan province on 26 January 2026, with officials reporting at least 15 dead, 316 rescued, and dozens unaccounted for. The incident highlights persistent maritime safety and emergency-response capacity challenges in remote inter-island corridors, pending an official investigation into the cause.