BASILAN, Philippines — The confirmed death toll from the sinking of RORO passenger-cargo vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3 has climbed to 24, authorities said, as search, rescue, and retrieval operations continue in the waters off Basilan following the maritime tragedy early Monday, January 26, 2026.
According to consolidated data released by the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of Basilan, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Basilan and Zamboanga, 24 fatalities have been officially confirmed as of the latest count. The names of passengers were included in an official manifest covering hundreds of individuals onboard the vessel.
The Philippine Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) earlier confirmed that MV Trisha Kerstin 3, operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, submerged at around 1:50 a.m., approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island, in the municipality of Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan. The ferry was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu when the incident occurred shortly after midnight.
Not Overloaded, Coast Guard Says
The Coast Guard stressed that the vessel was not overloaded at the time of departure. Official records show the ship carried 332 passengers and 27 crew members, or a total of 359 persons onboard, within its authorized maximum capacity. The ferry departed the Port of Zamboanga City at around 9:20 p.m. on January 25.
A distress call was transmitted by a PCG Sea Marshal onboard, triggering an immediate and large-scale response. Among the first assets deployed was the 44-meter Multi-Role Response Vessel (MRRV-4401) BRP Tubbataha, dispatched from Zamboanga City.
Possible Hull Damage Eyed
While a full maritime investigation is still ongoing, initial accounts from survivors suggest the vessel may have developed a hole in its hull, allowing water to rush in and causing the ship to sink rapidly. Authorities cautioned, however, that these remain unverified and subject to confirmation pending technical inspection and official findings.
A nationwide search and rescue operation remains underway, with support from commercial vessels, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), other government agencies, and local government units (LGUs). As of the latest update, the Coast Guard reported no oil spill in the affected area.
Families Await Answers
As recovery efforts continue, families of passengers are anxiously awaiting word on missing loved ones, while calls grow louder for accountability, transparency, and stricter maritime safety enforcement, especially along vital inter-island routes in Mindanao.
The Coast Guard said it will release further updates on casualties, survivors, and the official cause of the sinking as verified information becomes available.