Davao Cadet's Family Appeals for Help as He Remains Missing After Ferry Sinking
The family of a 22-year-old Dabawenyo cadet continues to make urgent appeals for assistance as he remains among those missing days after the passenger vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank in the waters off Basilan. Cadet Kyle Punsalang, a resident of Davao City, was serving as an on-duty apprentice aboard the ill-fated ferry when it encountered distress in the early hours of Monday, January 26, 2026.
Final Desperate Message Before Tragedy
Moments before the vessel went down, Punsalang managed to send a heartbreaking message to his family at 12:56 a.m., alerting them to the emergency situation. "Me tagilid among barko. Tabangggg (Our ship is tilting. Help!)," read his final communication, which has since become a poignant reminder of the tragedy that unfolded. This message represents the last contact his family received from the young cadet, who was among more than 300 passengers traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu.
Family's Public Appeal for Assistance
Punsalang's brother, JP Punsalang, has taken to social media to seek public assistance and urge authorities to intensify search operations. "Sakay niya po is the M/V Trisha Kerstin na lumubog sa may Baluk-baluk Islands. En route po from Zamboanga to Jolo, Sulu. Part po siya as one of the on-duty cadets at the time of the incident," he explained in his appeal. The family has specifically requested help from local government units, the Philippine Coast Guard, and residents near the port area to aid in locating the missing cadet.
Official Rescue and Investigation Updates
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has confirmed that search and rescue operations remain ongoing following the maritime tragedy. According to PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, the vessel had a total of 344 persons on board, including crew members. The current official figures show:
- 316 passengers successfully rescued
- 18 individuals declared dead
- 10 persons still missing, including some crew members
Authorities have ruled out overloading as a contributing factor to the incident. "Malaki po ang capacity nitong RoRo, walang overloading. Magbigay po kami ng update (regarding the number of rolling cargoes), ang focus po namin ngayon 'yung rescue operation," Gavan stated during a national interview. The vessel's Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) was validated and updated until October 2026, according to official records.
Weather Conditions Under Scrutiny
PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab revealed that weather conditions are among the primary factors being examined in the ongoing investigation. Authorities are specifically assessing the possible impact of the Amihan or Northeast Monsoon on sea conditions at the time of the incident. "The search and rescue operation is ongoing. But what I can say is that the ship is not overloaded," Cayabyab emphasized during her briefing.
Shipping Company's Response
Aleson Shipping Lines Inc., the owner of MV Trisha Kerstin 3, confirmed that the vessel sank approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan, at around 1:50 a.m. on January 26. The company stated that it immediately activated emergency response protocols upon receiving the distress call and deployed available vessels to assist in rescue efforts. The shipping firm expressed deep concern for all passengers and their families while extending gratitude to local government units, national agencies, and officials including Governor Mujiv Hataman and Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nannoh for their swift response.
Current Situation and Ongoing Operations
As of the latest updates, the vessel remains submerged at a depth of approximately 76 meters, with no observed oil spill in the area. Search and rescue operations continue as families of the missing, including the Punsalang family from Davao, maintain their vigil while waiting for news about their loved ones. The maritime tragedy has highlighted the ongoing challenges in Philippine sea transportation and the critical importance of maritime safety protocols during adverse weather conditions.
