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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCG: RORO vessel with over 300 individuals onboard sinks off Basilan; at least 18 dead

PCG: RORO vessel with over 300 individuals onboard sinks off Basilan; at least 18 dead

Published Jan 26, 2026 10:19 am  |  Updated Jan 26, 2026 02:58 pm
Survivors are assisted by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel after a RORO vessel carrying more than 300 individuals sank off Basilan on Jan. 26, 2026, killing at least 15 people. (Photo: PCG)
Survivors are assisted by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel after a RORO vessel carrying more than 300 individuals sank off Basilan on Jan. 26, 2026, killing at least 15 people. (Photo: PCG)
(UPDATED)
A roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessel bound for Jolo, Sulu sank off Basilan early Monday morning, Jan. 26, killing at least 18 individuals, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.
A report from the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) said M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, operated by Aleson Shipping, submerged around 1:50 a.m. about 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan.
Based on the passenger manifesto, the vessel was carrying 359 individuals: 332 passengers and 27 crew members.
CGDSWM Commander Romel Duwa said the vessel had departed the Port of Zamboanga City at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25, within its authorized maximum capacity of 352 passengers, making it “not overloaded.” A PCG sea marshal was also on board when the incident happened.
The PCG said search and rescue efforts have resulted in the rescue of 317 survivors and retrieval of 18 bodies while 24 others were missing as of noontime.
After receiving a distress call, the CGDSWM immediately deployed BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401) from Zamboanga City.
Search and rescue (SAR) operations were ongoing while the cause of the incident remained under investigation.
Rescue teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), commercial vessels, and other government agencies and local government units have reinforced the SAR operations.
"Based on the initial data, we have 316 survivors, 28 missing, and 18 reported casualties. This will be subjected for validation," PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said.
“We are still consolidating the numbers since there are ongoing search and rescue efforts by the different agencies. An aerial search and rescue operation is currently underway in the area,” she added.
She said the PCG was also investigating the cause of the incident.
"Based on the testimony of the survivors, the sea condition was rough due to tall waves. However, as with other incidents, we will conduct a maritime casualty investigation to determine the true cause of this incident," Cayabyab said.
“Our priority right now is the response because time is of the essence in situations like this. The Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies are focused on carrying out search and rescue operations,” she noted.
As of writing, the Coast Guard said no oil spill has been observed in the area.

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PCG MV Trisha Kirsten 3 Basilan
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