PILAS ISLAND, Basilan — What was supposed to be a routine overnight sea journey turned into a maritime tragedy after MV Trisha Kerstin 3, a passenger vessel of Aleson Shipping Lines, sank in the waters off Pilas Island, Hadji Muhtamad municipality, in the early hours of Monday, January 26, 2026, leaving at least 10 people dead and hundreds feared missing.
The ship, which departed Zamboanga City bound for Jolo, Sulu, reportedly encountered serious trouble shortly before midnight after taking in water while navigating near Baluk-Baluk Island, part of the Pilas Island group. According to initial accounts, the vessel sent out a distress call around 12:50 to 1:00 a.m., reporting “serious technical problems,” before it eventually went under in the dark waters of the Celebes Sea.
Casualties, Missing Passengers
As of early morning, approximately 10 lifeless bodies have already been recovered, while several survivors were rescued by local responders and nearby civilian boats. Authorities confirmed that 342 passengers were listed on the ship’s official passenger manifest, but the exact number of casualties and missing persons remains unconfirmed as search and rescue operations continue.
Families of passengers have been urged to remain calm as authorities work to verify survivor lists and fatalities.
Local Government, Coast Guard Mobilize
Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh of Hadji Muhtamad confirmed that the incident occurred within their area of responsibility and said rescue efforts were immediately launched even before full confirmation of the sinking.
“Once the coordinates were confirmed, we mobilized our barangay responders, Bantay Dagat, and contacted nearby boats and lantsa to assist in the rescue,” Kahing-Nanoh said.
At least seven survivors were initially rescued by Bantay Dagat personnel in Barangay Baluk-Baluk and later turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Basilan, who transported them to Isabela City for medical attention. Other survivors rescued at sea were directly transferred to larger Coast Guard vessels.
Race Against Time
The Philippine Coast Guard, in coordination with local government units, barangay officials, and volunteer fishermen, has intensified search and rescue operations, battling darkness, strong currents, and wide sea coverage.
Local fishers—often the first responders in maritime disasters—played a critical role in pulling survivors from the water during the initial hours.
“We are racing against time and the tide,” a local responder said. “Our priority is to locate survivors and account for everyone listed on the manifest before currents carry them farther away.”
Vessel Background
MV Trisha Kerstin 3 is a 47.9-meter passenger vessel, built in 1995, originally named Camellia II in Japan before being acquired by Aleson Shipping Lines in 2010. The ship has a breadth of 12 meters and has long served the Zamboanga–Sulu route. It has a sister ship, MV Reina de Luna, operated by Montenegro Shipping Lines.
Developing Story
Authorities have yet to officially confirm the cause of the sinking, though reports of water ingress and technical failure are being closely examined. Investigators are also expected to look into weather conditions, vessel seaworthiness, and passenger safety measures.
As the search continues, officials and community leaders are calling for prayers and solidarity for the victims and their families.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more verified information becomes available.