REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Death Toll Rises To 15 As Midnight Ferry Tragedy Unfolds Off Basilan
Photo credit: Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao
The tragedy at sea off Basilan has grown more painful as officials confirmed updated casualty figures following the sinking of a passenger ferry in the early hours of Monday.
According to Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman, 15 passengers have died, while 317 others were rescued after a ferry carrying 332 people went down in Basilan waters. Search, rescue, and recovery operations remain ongoing as authorities continue to account for all passengers.
The ill-fated vessel, M/V Trisha Kirstin 3, a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, sank at around 1:00 a.m. near Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad while en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu. Initial reports indicate that strong waves flooded the ferry’s lower deck, causing it to take in water and tilt before eventually capsizing.
Governor Hataman said many of the survivors were brought to safety at the Isabela City port, where they received medical assistance and emergency support. He noted that earlier figures have now been updated as authorities consolidated reports from rescue teams on the ground and at sea.
A massive, coordinated response was immediately launched involving the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police, and local government units. Nearby fishing boats also rushed to help, pulling passengers from the water during the critical hours after the sinking.
An off-duty crew member, who spoke to Brigada News FM–Zamboanga, recalled the chaotic moments onboard as the ferry began to list.
“We rushed to the upper decks and woke the passengers, giving out life vests as fast as we could,” he said.
The crew member added that a snapped harness securing the vehicles on the lower deck may have caused the vessel to lose balance, worsening the situation once seawater entered the ship.
The incident has once again placed Aleson Shipping Lines under scrutiny. It is the second major maritime tragedy involving the company in the same region, following the M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 fire in March 2023, which also claimed lives and raised serious concerns about maritime safety.
As rescue efforts continue and investigations begin, families remain on edge, waiting for updates and answers—hoping that no more lives will be added to the growing toll in yet another heartbreaking sea tragedy.
According to Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman, 15 passengers have died, while 317 others were rescued after a ferry carrying 332 people went down in Basilan waters. Search, rescue, and recovery operations remain ongoing as authorities continue to account for all passengers.
The ill-fated vessel, M/V Trisha Kirstin 3, a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, sank at around 1:00 a.m. near Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad while en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu. Initial reports indicate that strong waves flooded the ferry’s lower deck, causing it to take in water and tilt before eventually capsizing.
Governor Hataman said many of the survivors were brought to safety at the Isabela City port, where they received medical assistance and emergency support. He noted that earlier figures have now been updated as authorities consolidated reports from rescue teams on the ground and at sea.
A massive, coordinated response was immediately launched involving the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police, and local government units. Nearby fishing boats also rushed to help, pulling passengers from the water during the critical hours after the sinking.
An off-duty crew member, who spoke to Brigada News FM–Zamboanga, recalled the chaotic moments onboard as the ferry began to list.
“We rushed to the upper decks and woke the passengers, giving out life vests as fast as we could,” he said.
The crew member added that a snapped harness securing the vehicles on the lower deck may have caused the vessel to lose balance, worsening the situation once seawater entered the ship.
The incident has once again placed Aleson Shipping Lines under scrutiny. It is the second major maritime tragedy involving the company in the same region, following the M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 fire in March 2023, which also claimed lives and raised serious concerns about maritime safety.
As rescue efforts continue and investigations begin, families remain on edge, waiting for updates and answers—hoping that no more lives will be added to the growing toll in yet another heartbreaking sea tragedy.
Jan 26, 2026
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