MANILA, Philippines — In a decisive response to a maritime tragedy, Philippine transport authorities have indefinitely suspended all passenger vessel operations of Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc. This action follows the sinking of the company’s ferry, M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, which resulted in at least 18 fatalities and left 10 individuals missing.
The incident occurred early Monday off the coast of Baluk-baluk village in Basilan province as the steel-hulled vessel traveled from Zamboanga to Jolo island. The ferry, carrying 317 passengers and 27 crew members, succumbed to unknown circumstances, plunging approximately 76 meters (249 feet) beneath the sea surface.
Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gavan confirmed ongoing search operations utilizing naval assets, divers, and remotely operated vehicles in waters where an oil sheen has been sighted. The rescue effort has successfully saved 316 individuals, though recovery operations continue for the missing persons.
Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced the comprehensive grounding order to facilitate thorough inspections of Aleson’s fleet seaworthiness. The company’s vessels have been involved in 32 safety-related incidents since 2019, according to official records. To mitigate transportation disruptions in the ferry-dependent region, alternative shipping companies will be permitted to operate, with the coast guard potentially providing complimentary transit services.
Survivor Mohamad Khan recounted the vessel suddenly listing and capsizing, hurling passengers into dark waters. While Khan and his wife were rescued, their six-month-old infant perished in the tragedy.
The Philippines continues to grapple with maritime safety challenges, with historical accidents attributed to tropical storms, inadequate vessel maintenance, overcrowding, and inconsistent regulatory enforcement. This latest incident recalls the nation’s deadliest peacetime maritime disaster in December 1987, when the Dona Paz collision claimed over 4,300 lives.