The UAE has expressed its solidarity with Philippines after a ferry capsized off the southern province of Basilan, killing at least 18 with several others reported missing.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the victims' families, the government and the people of the Philippines over this tragedy.
UAE Expresses Solidarity with the Philippines and Conveys Condolences over Ferry Accidenthttps://t.co/9gzUXVE5in pic.twitter.com/by2JTpmwPL
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) January 26, 2026
The accident occurred at 1:50 am (1750 GMT) on Monday while the passenger vessel, MV Trisha Kerstin 3, was enroute to Jolo in Sulu province after departing from Zamboanga, according to Reuters.
The number of rescued passengers remained at 316 as of Tuesday.

UAE expresses solidarity with Greece over death of two pilots in plane crash
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed pays tribute to UAE President in personal message
UAE joins 7 other countries in rejecting displacement of Palestinians from Gaza
Five UAE aid convoys enter Gaza carrying 533 tonnes of supplies
UAE search and rescue team begins field operations in flood-hit Nepal
Dubai Police completes 104 technology projects in a year
UAE leaders meet with King of Bahrain to discuss regional issues
New RTA development at Al Qiyadah Intersection cuts traffic by 15 per cent
