Basilan Sea Tragedy: Death Toll Climbs to 29 as Coast Guard Recovers 11 More Bodies
In a somber development from the waters off Basilan province, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has recovered 11 additional bodies from the site where the passenger vessel Trisha Kerstin 3 sank earlier this week. This recovery, made on the morning of Thursday, January 29, 2026, has escalated the confirmed death toll from the maritime disaster to 29 individuals.
Details of the Recovery and Ongoing Search Operations
The remains were retrieved by the PCG vessel BRP Tubbataha in the vicinity where the ship went down approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan. According to PCG reports, among the 11 bodies recovered are those of a child and a crew member, with seven identified as female. These remains have been transported to Isabela City for necessary forensic examinations before being handed over to grieving families in Zamboanga City.
This tragic find comes three days after the vessel sank in the early hours of Monday, January 26, at around 1:50 a.m. The Trisha Kerstin 3, operated by Zamboanga City-based Aleson Shipping Lines (ASL), was carrying 317 passengers and 27 crew members when it departed Zamboanga City at 9:20 p.m. on January 25, bound for Jolo, Sulu.
Survivor Count and Intensified Search Efforts
Earlier statements from authorities, including Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, indicated that as of Monday evening, January 26, 316 survivors had been accounted for, with 18 confirmed fatalities and 10 individuals still missing based on the official passenger manifest. However, the situation has grown more complex as several relatives have come forward searching for family members not listed, prompting the PCG to ramp up its operations.
In response, the PCG deployed a specialized 19-man team of technical divers equipped with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) on Wednesday, January 28. These divers are currently stationed at the incident site, conducting thorough underwater searches to locate any remaining missing persons.
Transportation Fallout and Passenger Inconvenience
In the wake of this disaster, the Department of Transportation has taken decisive action by suspending the entire passenger fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines. This suspension is intended to facilitate a comprehensive investigation and review of the company's safety protocols and compliance with maritime regulations.
The grounding of ASL's fleet has led to significant disruptions for travelers in the region. In Isabela City, Basilan, passengers have been crowding the ticketing office of Montenegro Shipping Lines, scrambling to secure alternative tickets for travel to Zamboanga City. This scene underscores the broader impact of the tragedy on local transportation and community mobility.
As the PCG continues its search and recovery missions, the nation watches closely, hoping for closure for the affected families and answers regarding the causes of this devastating incident at sea.
