DOTr Suspends Entire Aleson Shipping Fleet After Fatal Basilan Incident
In a decisive move following a tragic maritime disaster, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has grounded the entire passenger fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines (ASL) effective Tuesday, January 27, 2026. This action comes as part of the investigation into the sinking of one of its vessels, the M/V Trisha Kerstin, off the coast of Basilan province on Monday, January 26.
Immediate Suspension and Safety Audit Ordered
Acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez issued the suspension order after revelations that ASL had been allegedly involved in 32 maritime incidents over a seven-year period. Speaking at a press conference in Zamboanga City, Lopez directed the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to conduct a comprehensive maritime safety audit of ASL and its crew within a strict 10-day timeframe.
Additionally, Lopez mandated the PCG to launch a 15-day investigation into the Monday incident, which has so far claimed the lives of 18 passengers. Two ASL vessels that ply routes to Basilan via Isabela and Lamitan Cities are currently moored at the port of Zamboanga as a result of the grounding.
Casualty and Survivor Details Emerge
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan provided updated figures, stating that 10 individuals remain missing, including seven crew members and a sea marshal. As of Monday evening, January 26, rescue efforts have accounted for 316 survivors from the ill-fated vessel.
Gavan clarified that verified data indicates the M/V Trisha Kerstin was carrying 317 passengers at departure, not the 332 listed on the manifest, as 15 passengers did not board. With a 27-person crew, including the sea marshal, the total aboard was 344 at the time of the sinking. He emphasized that the vessel was not overloaded, as its maximum capacity is 352 passengers.
Strengthened Safety Measures Announced
In response to the tragedy, Admiral Gavan has ordered all PCG stations to enhance pre-departure inspection protocols to prevent overloading and ensure stricter compliance with safety regulations. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about maritime safety in the region, prompting urgent regulatory scrutiny.
The grounding of ASL's fleet marks a significant step in addressing these issues, as authorities work to determine the cause of the sinking and prevent future disasters. The community awaits further findings from the ongoing investigations.
