Are Ferries Safe? in the Philippines

Ferry Boat Travel in the Philippines

Are Ferry Boats Safe in The Philippines?

Worse than the Titanic! Dona Paz burned and sank in December 1987.

I was living in Manila when the Princess of the Stars sank. Fortunately, none of my wife's friends or relatives were aboard. But many people lost their lives and many lost loved ones.

I know people who have sailed on ferry boats in the Philippines without incident. But I choose not to. Flying in the Philippines is the way we have traveled from island to island.

Before you decide to travel by ferry in the Philippines check out this list of maritime disasters in the Philippines.

In the Dona Paz video a survivor says, "I won't ride a ship again, even if it's free." After watching the video, you may decide to travel only by land and air in the Philippines.

Check out more about the Dona Paz tragedy at Wikipedia.

There are smaller boats which I would be happy to travel in. For example, small sail boats and catamarans which give rides to tourists in places like Boracay.

July 2, 2015. Hmm, maybe I will not ride in catamarans. See this story about a catamaran which capsized. Fifty-six souls perished when it capsized (at latest count.) See another story and video about the disaster.

Update Aug. 15, 2015, Another ferry engulfed in flames.

Update May 23, 2022, A Bangka on fire.

Some more advice

"Ferry accidents occur. Some vessels are poorly maintained and overcrowded. Accidents are more prevalent during the rainy season as storms can develop quickly. As a result, local authorities may suspend ferry services on short notice when a storm signal is raised, even if the weather is clear. You could get stranded at ports for several days.

If travelling by sea:

• use only a reliable company.
• don’t board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.
• make sure you have access to a life jacket.
• plan for extra time, especially during the rainy season" (excerpt from travel.qc.ca).

Update June 19, 2023, from an article at The Manila Times titled

"PH ferry with up to 65 people onboard catches fire at sea, rescue underway."

"Sea accidents are common in the Philippines because of frequent storms, badly maintained vessels, overcrowding and spotty enforcement of safety regulations, especially in remote provinces."

Other forms of transportation in the Philippines are bicycle, motorcycle, airplane, bus, taxi, jeepney, train, tricycle and pedicab.

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This article will be expanded upon. Please check back for more information about traveling by ferry boats or other types of boats in the Philippines. This page updated June 19, 2023.