Eight people were reported dead, as of this writing, after a Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessel has sunk in the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan dawn on Monday, January 26, 2026.

According to the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), the passenger cargo vessel was carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members when it sank 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island.

The vessel was bound for Sulu from Zamboanga City.

CGDSWM said the vessel was not overloaded as it has a maximum capacity of 352 passengers.

No oil spill was reported, as of this writing.

Hadji Mutamad Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh confirmed that eight passengers were reported dead, as of this writing.

"Upon receipt of the distress call from the PCG Sea Marshal onboard, the PCG immediately deployed rescue assets, including the 44-meter, MRRV 4401, BRP Tubattaha from Zamboanga City. Support was also provided by commercial vessels, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), other government agencies, and local government units (LGUs)," CGDSWM said.