At least 15 bodies were recovered and 28 people remained missing after an inter-island ferry carrying at least 350 people sank early Monday morning in waters off Basilan province in the southern Philippines, authorities said.

Romel Dua, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commander, said at least 316 people were rescued.

Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan said the ferry was not overloaded as it had a maximum capacity of 350 passengers while 332 were reported on board by the captain. The Coast Guard said it immediately launched rescue operations after receiving a distress call from the vessel.