The 'Philippine Coast Guard' announced on Monday that the death toll in a ferry boat accident has reached?least 15 with 316 people being rescued.

The accident happened at 1:50 am [1750 GMT] Monday, while the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 was on its way to Jolo province in Sulu after leaving Zamboanga. PCG reported that the vessel was operating within its 352-passenger capacity and had 332 passengers on board, along with 27 crew.

Coast Guard Commander Romel Dua, of Southern Mindanao District, said that the search and rescue teams had scoured the area on relatively calm waters. This has helped to speed up operations. He said that 28 people are still missing.

Dua confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause. Dua said that military aircraft and vessels were deployed to aid in the rescue effort.

Mujiv Hasaman, the governor of 'the island province of Basilan', posted clips on Facebook showing survivors being ushered from boats. Some were wrapped in thermal blankets, while others were carried on stretchers.

Hataman said on DZBB that the majority of survivors are doing well. However, several elderly passengers need emergency medical attention. He also said that authorities were still checking the passenger list as rescue efforts progressed.

The Philippines is an archipelago with more than 7,000 islands and a patchy maritime safety record. Scores of people die each year in ferry accidents. (Reporting and editing by Michael Perry, David Stanway and Mikhail Flores)

(source: Reuters)