Manila, Jan. 26 -- At least 15 bodies were recovered and 28 people remained missing after an inter-island ferry carrying at least 350 people sank early Monday morning in waters off Basilan province in the southern Philippines, authorities said.
Romel Dua, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commander, said at least 316 people were rescued.
The PCG said the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 was en route to Jolo Island in Sulu province from Zamboanga City when it sank before 2 a.m. local time on Monday off Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, a municipality in the Sulu Sea.
PCG Chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan told reporters in Manila that the vessel left the Zamboanga City port around 9:20 p.m. local time on Sunday.
"The search and rescue operation is ongo...