MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A ferry carrying over 350 people sank early Monday near an island in the southern Philippines, resulting in at least 15 deaths. Rescue operations have saved 316 passengers, but the search for survivors continues.

The incident occurred during the night, leaving authorities scrambling to respond to the maritime disaster. The exact location of the sinking is near an island in the southern Philippines, though specific details remain scarce as investigations are underway. Initial reports indicate the ferry encountered difficulties, leading to its eventual submersion.

As of Monday, rescuers have managed to pull 316 people from the wreckage and surrounding waters. The number of those still missing is not immediately clear, and the ongoing search is complicated by challenging weather conditions and the vastness of the sea.

Ferry accidents are unfortunately not uncommon in the Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, where maritime travel is a primary mode of transportation. Many ferries are old and poorly maintained, and safety regulations are not always strictly enforced, contributing to the risk of such tragedies. This latest incident underscores the ongoing need for improved safety standards and rigorous inspections within the Philippine maritime industry.

Authorities are working to determine the cause of the sinking, with possible factors including overloading, inclement weather, or mechanical failure. A full investigation is expected to be launched to ascertain the sequence of events and prevent similar incidents in the future. The Philippines Coast Guard is leading the search and rescue efforts, coordinating with local communities and volunteer organizations to maximize the chances of finding any remaining survivors.