The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank due to strong waves near Baluk-Baluk Island off Basilan on January 26, 2026, resulting in at least 15 deaths and 28 people missing. Some 316 survivors were rescued, while search operations continue. This marks the second major incident for Aleson Shipping Lines.
The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 departed the Port of Zamboanga City around 9:20 p.m. on January 25, 2026, bound for Jolo, Sulu, carrying more than 330 passengers and 27 crew members, within its authorized capacity of 352. At about 1:50 a.m. on January 26, it issued a distress signal after strong waves flooded the lower deck, snapping vehicle harnesses and causing the vessel to list to starboard and capsize, roughly 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island.
The Philippine Coast Guard's sea marshal on board sent the alert. A crew member told Brigada News FM: “I was awakened by my companion telling me that the boat was listing. We tried to pump out the water but it was too late. We rushed to the upper decks and gave life vests to the passengers.”
The Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao promptly dispatched the BRP Tubbataha from Zamboanga City. Commercial vessels, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local authorities, and fishing boats joined the rescue. No oil spill was reported. PCG spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab reported 15 fatalities, 28 missing, and 316 survivors, though Commander Romel Dua said the figures were still being validated.
At Isabela City Port, 223 survivors arrived, with 23 taken to Basilan Medical Center. Emergency responder Ronalyn Perez told AFP: “The challenge really is the number of patients that are coming in. We are short-staffed at the moment,” noting at least 18 at one local hospital. The Coast Guard sent an aircraft, with Navy and Air Force assets assisting.
The exact cause remains unclear, but the PCG will conduct a marine casualty investigation. This is the second major incident for Aleson Shipping Lines following a March 2023 fire on the M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 that killed more than 30 people. Ferry accidents are common in the Philippines due to poor regulation across its thousands of islands.
