VIDEO | 15 dead, others missing after ferry sinks off Basilan, Philippines

Local officials said that 316 people have so far been rescued as of 08:30 on Monday. The survivors, many of whom had donned lifejackets and were found drifting in the water, have since been brought to Pilas Island for processing and medical assessments.

Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan told reporters on Monday that the ferry was not overloaded since it had a maximum capacity of 350 passengers.

The coast guard, the Philippine National Police, and other partner agencies are continuing to comb the waters off Basilan for any trace of the other individuals who were on the ferry when it sank.