CAPSIZED BOAT IN PHILIPPINES LEAVES 18 DEAD 24 MISSING

Written by Michael Thervil

CAPSIZED BOAT IN PHILIPPINES LEAVES 18 DEAD 24 MISSING |  | PHOTO BY PHILIPPINE COASTGUARD VIA AP

[Philippines 18 dead 24 missing] In the early hours of today in the south Philippines, a vessel carrying an estimated 332 passengers and 27 crewmembers sent a distress signal roughly four hours before capsizing which led to the deaths of 18 passengers with another 24 passengers missing. While the investigation into how and why the ferry capsized is still under investigation, Philippine authorities have ruled out foul play as the boat was cleared by the Philippine Coast Guard to set sail before it left the port in Zamboanga City which is located on Mindanao to Jolo island. Philippine Air Force and naval assets were deployed to assist in the search-and-rescue operation. According to reports, weather did not play a role in the navigation of the vessel.

Again, while foul play has been ruled out, local authorities have been suggesting that the capsizing of the vessel could be linked to maintenance issues or the overlooking of minor safety issues such as overcrowding that may have played a role over time leading up to the sinking of the vessel. Maritime capsizing or boat collapsing appears to be somewhat frequent in the Philippines and thus points to a larger issue that needs to be addressed. According to sources, just this past Friday and last Monday two vessels sank leaving two Filipino sailors killed, six civilians killed, and another 24 people missing.

Survivors of the incident were rescued and taken to a hospital in Isabela city/province the capital of Basilan, Philippines.