MV Trisha Kerstin 3 Sinks Off Basilan Coast: Over 15 Dead, Hundreds Rescued in Early Morning Tragedy
In a devastating maritime incident, more than 15 individuals have been confirmed dead while over 200 were rescued after a passenger cargo vessel sank in the waters off Basilan early Monday morning, January 26, 2026. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that at least 219 passengers have been saved, but 43 remain missing as of the latest updates.
Details of the Sinking and Rescue Operations
The roll-on roll-off (Roro) vessel, MV Trisha Kerstin 3, operated by Aleson Shipping, departed from the Port of Zamboanga City at 9:20 PM on January 25, en route to Jolo, Sulu. It was carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members when it sank around 1:50 AM on Monday, approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.
Initial reports indicate that water entered the lower section of the ship amid large waves, causing it to list. An off-duty crew member recounted waking up after being alerted by a colleague who noticed the vessel tilting. The ship then capsized to the right side and quickly sank after the securing straps for vehicles inside snapped.
Authorities Respond and Investigate the Cause
Commander Romel Dua, operations officer of the Philippine Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, clarified in a radio interview that there was no overloading involved. He stated that the authorized capacity of the vessel extends up to 352 passengers, suggesting other factors may have contributed to the disaster.
In a separate statement, Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman revealed that 223 passengers, including four deceased individuals placed in body bags, have been transported to Isabela City port, while other victims were taken to Zamboanga City. The provincial government has mobilized its resources to assist survivors and the families of those who perished.
Governor Hataman added that several survivors reported calm sea conditions at the time of the incident, raising questions about the vessel's stability and operational procedures.
Rescue Efforts and Historical Context of Aleson Shipping
The Philippine Coast Guard, Western Mindanao Naval Command, and the Police Maritime Group swiftly dispatched rescue vessels upon receiving reports of the sinking. Local fishermen and motorbanca operators joined the rescue operations, highlighting a community-wide effort to save lives.
This tragedy marks the second incident involving an Aleson Shipping vessel. The first occurred on March 29, 2023, when MV Lady Mary Joy 3 caught fire near Baluk-Baluk Island while en route to Jolo from Zamboanga City, underscoring ongoing safety concerns in the region's maritime transport sector.
