MANILA, Philippines — New and disturbing details have emerged in the dual congressional investigations into the January 26 sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, as survivors testified on Thursday, February 12, 2026, about gross safety violations that hindered their escape.
The tragedy, which occurred off Basilan waters, resulted in 53 confirmed deaths and left 26 people still missing. During hearings held by both the House and the Senate, witnesses pointed to institutional negligence by the ship’s owner, Aleson Shipping Lines, and regulatory failures by port authorities.
Key Revelations from Survivors
- Inaccessible Life-Saving Gear: Survivors Fatima Sweenee Sajili and Muzaheeda Ismi testified that life jackets were locked inside storage cabinets, forcing passengers to kick them open during the emergency. Furthermore, the vests were found to be double-knotted, broken, or lacking safety whistles.
- Pre-departure Warning Ignored: Multiple survivors stated that the vessel was already listing (tilting) while still docked at the Zamboanga City port at around 10:20 p.m. on Jan. 25. Passengers reportedly alerted the crew, but were told the captain was unconcerned.
- Overloading and Cargo Shift: Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez noted that the ship was likely overloaded with passengers and vehicles that did not pass through the port’s weighing bridge. This likely led to a “cargo shift” once the vessel was underway, causing it to capsize despite calm weather.
Accountability and Penalties
- Suspension: Aleson Shipping Lines, Western Mindanao’s largest operator, has had its operations suspended. Sulu Vice Gov. Abdusakur Tan has urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to permanently cancel the company’s permit, noting it has been involved in 32 maritime incidents since 2019.
- Dismissals: Six Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and eight Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) personnel have been relieved from their posts and are facing administrative cases for failing to conduct a proper pre-departure safety audit.
- Legal Defense: A lawyer for Aleson Shipping Lines admitted that locking life vest cabinets is a violation of SOP but claimed responsibility lay with the ship’s crew on an “operational level.”
The Trisha Kerstin 3 issued a distress call at 1:50 a.m. on Jan. 26 near Baluk-Baluk Island before sinking. The DOTr has vowed to pursue both criminal and administrative charges against all responsible parties as more evidence of systemic neglect surfaces.