18 Dead, 25 Missing After Ferry Sinks off Basilan

At least 18 people, including a six-month-old infant, were killed after a passenger ferry bound for Jolo, Sulu sank in waters off Basilan province early Monday, January 26, while more than 300 others were rescued, authorities said.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed that 316 passengers were rescued from the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, which departed Zamboanga City at 9:20 p.m. Sunday.

The vessel went down around 1 a.m. Monday, approximately five kilometers northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan, following reports of mechanical trouble and rough sea conditions.

Cmdr. Romel Dua, operations officer of Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, said the ship’s crew was able to transmit a distress call shortly before the ferry sank, reporting “serious technical problems” as strong waves battered the vessel.

According to the PCG, the ferry was carrying 332 passengers, within its authorized capacity of 352, and had 27 crew members onboard.

Officials dismissed initial reports that the roll-on, roll-off vessel was overloaded. As of Monday evening, 25 individuals remained unaccounted for.

Rescue operations were immediately launched after the distress call was received, including the deployment of the 44-meter PCG multi-role response vessel MRRV-4401 from Zamboanga City, along with other search and rescue assets from government agencies and local authorities.

The bodies of the fatalities were recovered and brought to Isabela City in Basilan and Zamboanga City, although authorities had yet to release their identities as of Monday night.

The PCG said search efforts would continue, with underwater operations set to begin Wednesday, January 28, to locate the remaining missing persons.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said six technical divers from Manila were expected to arrive Tuesday with specialized equipment.

“Ngayong araw na ito darating yung anim na technical divers from Manila with their equipment. At dahil lumipad sila, makakapag-start sila ng technical diving bukas,” Gavan said during a press briefing.

He added that additional personnel were being prepared to support the operation. “Ngunit nag-prepare tayo ng 16 divers, technical wreck divers. Yung susunod ay bukas po sila darating.”

Authorities said investigations into the cause of the sinking are ongoing, while search and recovery operations remain focused on locating the missing passengers and ensuring the safety of those involved in the maritime incident.