Zamboanga: A fast craft ferry operating on the Zamboanga-Isabela route sank early Tuesday while docked at the local port amid inclement weather. Samuel Sabanal, skipper of Weesam Express 8, which is owned by SRN Fast Seacrafts, Inc., reported that the vessel listed and sank around 5:20 a.m. The ferry was scheduled to sail at 6:45 a.m. to Basilan via Isabela City.

According to Philippines News Agency, the crew noticed the engine room was flooded with sea water just after 3 a.m. Despite efforts to flush out the water, the crew was overwhelmed by the inflow through a hole in the engine room. Attempts to salvage the vessel with the help of a tugboat were unsuccessful.

Sabanal confirmed that all crew members managed to escape before the vessel sank. Officials from the shipping firm, Philippine Coast Guard, and other concerned agencies are working to refloat the vessel. Additionally, an oil spill boom has been placed around the sunken vessel to prevent potential leakage.