ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A passenger vessel sank yesterday off the coast of Basilan, leaving 18 people dead and 24 others missing, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Authorities rescued 317 people after MV Trisha Kerstin 3 encountered trouble amid rough sea conditions.
Carrying 332 passengers and 27 crewmembers, the vessel reportedly sank after a truck on board tilted to its side.
Bound for Jolo, Sulu, Trisha Kerstin 3 departed on Sunday at 9:20 p.m. from this city’s port and sank yesterday at around 1:30 a.m.
Based on initial reports provided by the PCG and survivors’ statements, the ship encountered trouble while navigating waters 2.75 nautical miles northeast of the vicinity of Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtammad town.
Operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, the ship has a maximum capacity of 350 passengers. It was not overloaded when it departed the city, the PCG said.
On March 29, 2023, the company’s vessel MV Mary Joy 3 caught fire on its way to Jolo. Thirty-one passengers died and 216 people were rescued.
No traces of oil spill were reported as of yesterday morning.
Citing the accounts of some survivors, PCG spokesperson Cap. Noemie Cayabyab said Trisha Kerstin 3 “was hit by big waves that caused the vessel to quickly tilt and sink.”
Rescue assets, including the 44-meter Tubattaha from Zamboanga City, were deployed by the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM).
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, state agencies, local government units in Basilan and commercial vessels also provided support.
Survivors recount tragedy
Tragedy struck in seconds, some of the survivors said.
Rasulah Walahuddin, school principal of Kawmpang Elementary School in Patikul, Sulu, said he was traveling with teachers after attending a training seminar in Zamboanga City.
“We were told to wear a life vest as the panic went on. I just waited for the boat to sink before I went out. It was just for a few seconds and the boat sank. We were all separated with my teachers,” Walahuddin said.
Jumineer Jikiri, 20, said he rushed to the side of the boat as it tilted.
“We (hung like) Spiderman on the tilted floor and escaped for our lives,” Jikiri said.
Some of the survivors were brought to Isabela City in Basilan, while most of the victims and recovered bodies were brought by Tubattaha to the Zamboanga City port for processing and assistance.
PNP officers rescued
Among Trisha Kerstin 3’s passengers, 13 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel were rescued and one died.
Nine of the police officers rescued are from the 905th and 903rd Maneuver Companies of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, while four are from the Regional Emergency and Rescue Unit 9.
The fatality was a member of the Regional Mobile Division Unit 9.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. expressed condolences to the victim’s family and assured them of full support.
Not overloaded
Trisha Kerstin 3 was not overloaded, as confirmed by PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, CGDSWM commander Comm. Rejard Marfe and the Maritime Industry Authority.
Sea marshals on board had immediately relayed the boat’s situation to the CGDSWM, Gavan said.
Marfe recalled the information they received: “Rough seas and sudden change of weather and the seawater breached inside the boat, causing it to sink.”
Marfe said they are not discounting the possibility that some victims might have been swept by the current to coastal areas.
Aid
President Marcos has ordered immediate aid for the victims.
“The President has ordered the (Department of Social Welfare and Development) to provide the necessary assistance to our countrymen who were affected by the incident,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing.
Social workers provided ready-to-eat food boxes and psychosocial support to about 137 survivors in Isabela City.
Burial assistance for affected families and medical aid for injured passengers will be provided, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.
Condolences
European Union Ambassador Massimo Santoro said he was deeply saddened by the tragic ferry sinking off Basilan.
Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown expressed sympathy to affected families.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya posted on X, “My heartfelt sympathies go out to all those affected by the sinking of Trisha Kerstin 3 ferry in southern Philippines.“
German Ambassador Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke is hoping that more people will be rescued. — Evelyn Macairan, John Uson, Delon Porcalla, Helen Flores, Mark Ernest Villeza, Pia Lee-Brago