MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the immediate grounding of the entire passenger fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines following the tragic sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan on Monday.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced the move on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, revealing a troubling safety record for the shipping company, which has been involved in 32 maritime incidents since 2019.
The Tragic Sinking The Sulu-bound ferry sank early Monday morning near Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad town, Basilan:
- Casualties: At least 18 people have been confirmed dead, while more than 300 were rescued.
- Missing: At least 10 individuals, mostly crew members, remain missing as of Tuesday.
- Conditions: Survivors, including lawyers and local residents, have disputed initial reports of “rough seas,” claiming the water was calm and the weather was clear at the time of the incident.
Accountability and Safety Audit Secretary Lopez has directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to take swift action:
- Full-Blown Probe: The PCG has 15 days to complete its investigation into the sinking.
- Safety Audit: Marina must conduct a comprehensive safety audit of all Aleson vessels and its crew within 10 days.
- Domestic Audit: Lopez has also ordered Marina to audit the entire domestic fleet in the Philippines to prevent further tragedies.
- Past Record: Lopez criticized Marina for its handling of Aleson’s previous 31 incidents, including the 2023 fire on the MV Lady Mary Joy 3 that killed 30 people. “Where are the reports? What are our lapses?” Lopez asked.
The ‘Explosion’ and Technical Failure Survivors reported hearing a loud “bang” or “explosion” before the vessel began to list (tilt). Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, a seafarer, suggested the sound might have been the snapping of metal lashings used to secure vehicles in the cargo hold. If these snapped, the resulting collision of vehicles could have caused the sudden and irreversible listing that led to the sinking.
Continuity of Service To minimize travel disruption in Mindanao and the islands:
- Special Permits: Marina will issue temporary permits to other qualified shipping companies to cover Aleson’s routes.
- Free Transport: On routes where Aleson was the sole provider, the PCG will provide free sea transport for passengers in the meantime.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stated that maritime safety is “neither negotiable nor optional.” As technical divers arrive from Metro Manila to inspect the wreckage 76 meters below sea level, the focus remains on finding those still missing and institutionalizing reforms to end the cycle of maritime tragedies in the country.