Philippine media, citing local officials, reported that a ferry carrying around 350 people sank off the coast of the Philippines, resulting in the deaths of seven people, while at least 215 others were rescued.

Reports said the ferry sank after midnight in the southern Philippines, with search and rescue operations continuing for long hours in difficult sea conditions, amid fears that there may still be missing persons who have not yet been reached.

According to available information, the ferry was traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island, carrying 332 passengers in addition to 27 crew members.

The reports added that the vessel suffered what was described as a technical malfunction, which led to its sinking, without providing further details on the nature of the malfunction or its exact timing.