At least 15 dead after ferry carrying over 300 passengers sinks in southern Philippines

At least 15 people have died after a ferry carrying more than 350 passengers and crew members onboard sank in the waters off Philippines' southern coast.

Search crews have rescued 316 people on board the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, but at least 28 people are still missing.

The ship, which was both a cargo and passenger ferry, was on its way from the country's southern mainland, Mindanao, to Jolo island further south-west when it issued a distress call at 1:50 local time Monday (17:50 GMT Sunday).

Authorities say they are investigating the cause of the sinking.