At least 15 people died early Monday after a ferry carrying more than 300 passengers sank off Basilan province in the southern Philippines.

Another 28 are missing, according to the local English daily Philstar.

The vessel, identified as the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, was en route to Jolo Island in Sulu province.

Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) officials said that 316 people were rescued while search and rescue operations backed by navy boats and helicopters are ongoing.

The ill-fated vessel issued a distress signal at around 1.50 am (1750GMT Sunday), four hours after it departed the Port of Zamboanga City on the southwestern tip of Mindanao.

Initial reports estimated that the vessel was carrying around more than 330 passengers and 27 crew members when it submerged in the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan.

Footage released by the coast guard showed survivors being pulled from the water and receiving medical attention. Survivors could also be heard shouting for help in the dark.

Authorities have ordered a marine casualty investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

No oil spill was seen from the vessel.

The Philippines, comprising 7,000 islands, has a long history of deadly ferry accidents due to cheap and poorly regulated boats and ships. (AA)

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