More than 317 passengers and crew were rescued after the passenger vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 submerged in waters 2.75 miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan on Monday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.

As of 11:21 a.m., the PCG said 24 persons remain missing, while 18 casualties have been recorded.

The ship, operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, departed the Port of Zamboanga City at around 9:20 p.m. Sunday bound for Jolo, Sulu. It was carrying 332 passengers and 277 crew members when it reportedly began taking in water and eventually sank.

The Coast Guard said rescue operations were immediately launched after a distress call was received from a PCG sea marshal on board. The Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao deployed BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401) from Zamboanga City to assist in the operation.

Search and rescue efforts remain ongoing, with support from commercial vessels, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other government agencies, and local government units. The Coast Guard also reported that no oil spill has been observed in the area.

Authorities said M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 was operating within its authorized passenger capacity of 352 at the time of the incident.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that a police officer from the Regional Mobile Division Unit 9 was among those who died. The PNP also reported that 13 police personnel were rescued—nine from the 905th and 903rd Maneuver Companies of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, and four from the Regional Emergency and Rescue Unit 9.

Rescued personnel were brought to the Zamboanga City Port and Isabela City, Basilan Port, where they are receiving assistance. Authorities said coordination continues to determine the circumstances of the incident and to provide support to affected individuals and their families.