REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Over 300 Rescued As 18 Dead And 10 Remain Missing In Basilan Ferry Sinking
Photo credit: Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao
Search and rescue operations remain ongoing following the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan waters, as authorities race against time to locate those still unaccounted for and provide aid to survivors.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab clarified that the official number of people aboard the vessel has been adjusted. From an initial count of 359, the total was reduced to 344 after it was confirmed that 15 passengers listed in the ship’s manifest did not actually board the ferry.
As of the latest update, 316 individuals have been successfully rescued, 18 have been confirmed dead, and 10 remain missing. A joint search and rescue (SAR) team—made up of various government agencies and assisted by private vessels—continues to comb the area.
The passenger-cargo roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel was traveling to Jolo, Sulu when it sank at around 1:50 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, near Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan.
In response to the tragedy, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to immediately assist those affected. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the order during a Palace press briefing.
Castro said the Philippine Coast Guard is also conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the incident, including checking for possible overloading or violations of maritime safety regulations meant to protect passengers.
Relief operations are already underway. The DSWD reported that ready-to-eat food boxes were distributed to rescued passengers and crew members at the Isabela City Port in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Isabela City, Basilan.
Meanwhile, the DSWD Field Office 9 – Zamboanga Peninsula deployed its Quick Response Team to conduct profiling and needs assessment of survivors, ensuring further assistance reaches those who need it most.
As operations continue, authorities are calling for patience and prayers as families await updates on their missing loved ones.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab clarified that the official number of people aboard the vessel has been adjusted. From an initial count of 359, the total was reduced to 344 after it was confirmed that 15 passengers listed in the ship’s manifest did not actually board the ferry.
As of the latest update, 316 individuals have been successfully rescued, 18 have been confirmed dead, and 10 remain missing. A joint search and rescue (SAR) team—made up of various government agencies and assisted by private vessels—continues to comb the area.
The passenger-cargo roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel was traveling to Jolo, Sulu when it sank at around 1:50 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, near Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan.
In response to the tragedy, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to immediately assist those affected. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the order during a Palace press briefing.
Castro said the Philippine Coast Guard is also conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the incident, including checking for possible overloading or violations of maritime safety regulations meant to protect passengers.
Relief operations are already underway. The DSWD reported that ready-to-eat food boxes were distributed to rescued passengers and crew members at the Isabela City Port in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Isabela City, Basilan.
Meanwhile, the DSWD Field Office 9 – Zamboanga Peninsula deployed its Quick Response Team to conduct profiling and needs assessment of survivors, ensuring further assistance reaches those who need it most.
As operations continue, authorities are calling for patience and prayers as families await updates on their missing loved ones.
Jan 27, 2026
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