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Death Toll In MV Trisha Kerstin 3 Tragedy Climbs To 58 As Search Continues
Photo credit: PCG
The confirmed fatalities from the January 26 sinking of the ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 have risen to 58, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on February 16, 2026, after technical divers recovered another body from the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan.
The roll-on/roll-off passenger vessel capsized in the early hours of January 26 while en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu, marking one of the deadliest maritime disasters in recent Philippine history.
According to the PCG, 293 survivors have been accounted for, while 21 individuals remain missing. The figures were consolidated through joint validation efforts by the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives (PNP-SOCO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), and the affected families who coordinate daily with interagency search and rescue authorities.
Survivors recounted moments of panic as the vessel capsized. “Ten minutes later, I heard a sudden, loud snap. Then the ship immediately capsized,” one passenger recalled, highlighting how quickly the disaster unfolded.
In the wake of the tragedy, lawmakers and authorities have raised concerns over maritime safety, particularly regarding the operator, Aleson Shipping Lines. Investigations continue into potential lapses, including reports of life jackets being inaccessible to passengers during the incident.
The Department of Transportation has directed safety reviews of all vessels under Aleson’s fleet, while search and retrieval operations remain ongoing. Coast Guard officials have pledged to continue efforts until all missing passengers are accounted for and families receive closure.
The roll-on/roll-off passenger vessel capsized in the early hours of January 26 while en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu, marking one of the deadliest maritime disasters in recent Philippine history.
According to the PCG, 293 survivors have been accounted for, while 21 individuals remain missing. The figures were consolidated through joint validation efforts by the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives (PNP-SOCO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), and the affected families who coordinate daily with interagency search and rescue authorities.
Survivors recounted moments of panic as the vessel capsized. “Ten minutes later, I heard a sudden, loud snap. Then the ship immediately capsized,” one passenger recalled, highlighting how quickly the disaster unfolded.
In the wake of the tragedy, lawmakers and authorities have raised concerns over maritime safety, particularly regarding the operator, Aleson Shipping Lines. Investigations continue into potential lapses, including reports of life jackets being inaccessible to passengers during the incident.
The Department of Transportation has directed safety reviews of all vessels under Aleson’s fleet, while search and retrieval operations remain ongoing. Coast Guard officials have pledged to continue efforts until all missing passengers are accounted for and families receive closure.
Feb 16, 2026
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