Tablas Strait (Filipino: Kipot ng Tablas), also Tabuas Strait, is a strait in the Philippines separating Mindoro Island, Tablas Island, Panay and Romblon islands.[1] The approximate depth of the strait is 545 meters (1,788 ft).

Tablas Strait
Tabuas Strait
Tablas Strait is located in Luzon
Tablas Strait
Tablas Strait
Location within the Philippines
Location
Coordinates12°24′54″N 121°43′32″E / 12.41500°N 121.72556°E / 12.41500; 121.72556
Typestrait
EtymologyTablas Island

The strait is known for being the place where the Sulpicio Lines-owned passenger ferry MV Doña Paz and oil tanker MT Vector[2] sank on December 20, 1987, after colliding with each other, resulting in more than 4,386 deaths. It was the deadliest peacetime maritime disaster in history.

References

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  1. ^ Sailing Directions (enroute) for the Philippines. Defense Mapping Agency, Hydrographic/Topographic Center. 1979. p. 115. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  2. ^ "Ferry death toll may exceed 2,000". New Straits Times. New Straits Times. December 23, 1987. Retrieved February 16, 2024.