Ferry Sinks Off Basilan: 15 Dead, 219 Rescued in Maritime Tragedy
A passenger-cargo ferry sank early Monday, January 26, 2026, near Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan province, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and the rescue of 219 passengers. The vessel, identified as MV Trisha Kerstin 3 and operated by Aleson Shipping, was traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu, when it went down approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of the island.
Details of the Incident and Rescue Efforts
According to Commander Romel Dua, operations officer of the Philippine Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, the roll-on roll-off (Roro) vessel departed the Port of Zamboanga City around 9:20 p.m. on January 25. It was carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members when it sank at about 1:50 a.m. on Monday. Initial reports suggest that the lower deck flooded due to large waves, causing the vessel to list. An off-duty crew member recounted being awakened by a companion who noticed the tilting, and efforts to pump out water proved futile as the harness securing vehicles snapped, leading to the sinking.
Rescue operations were swiftly mobilized, involving the Philippine Coast Guard, Western Mindanao Naval Command, Police Maritime Group, as well as local fishing vessels and motorboats. As of the latest update, 43 individuals remain unaccounted for, with ongoing search and rescue efforts focused on locating survivors.
Official Statements and Historical Context
Commander Dua emphasized that there was no overloading, noting the vessel's authorized maximum passenger capacity of 352. In a separate statement, Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman reported that 223 passengers, including four fatalities, were brought to Isabela City port, while the remaining deceased were transported to Zamboanga City. The provincial government has activated resources to assist survivors and bereaved families.
This incident marks the second maritime accident involving an Aleson Shipping vessel in recent years. On March 29, 2023, MV Lady Mary Joy 3 caught fire near the same area while en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the region's shipping industry.
