What is dona paz?

Dona Paz was a passenger ferry that sank after a collision with the oil tanker, Vector, in the Philippine Sea on December 20, 1987. The incident is considered as one of the worst ferry disasters in history, resulting in a death toll of 1,749. The Dona Paz was carrying an estimated 4,386 passengers and crew, but it is believed that the total number of passengers was much higher due to overcrowding and unregistered passengers. The cause of the collision was due to miscommunication between the two vessels and negligence on the part of their respective crews. The tragedy led to a major overhaul of safety regulations and the improvement of maritime safety in the Philippines.