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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Rescue ops continue for survivors of sunken vessel

Rescue ops continue for survivors of sunken vessel

Published Jan 26, 2026 10:09 am
COAST GUARD personnel rescue passengers of a ship that sank on Monday in Basilan.
COAST GUARD personnel rescue passengers of a ship that sank on Monday in Basilan.

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Rescuers are racing against time to rescue survivors of a sunken roll on, roll off vessel in Basilan on Monday, Jan. 26.
Fifteen people were killed and 224 were rescued when the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 operated by Aleson Shipping Lines sank off the coast of Barangay Baluk-baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad municipality, formerly Pilas Island, at 1:10 a.m.
The vessel, which serves as a crucial link for traders and families traveling between Zamboanga City and Jolo, Sulu, issued a distress call around 12:50 a.m., reporting that water was rapidly flooding the ship. 
Within 10 to 20 minutes, the vessel capsized, leaving 332 passengers on board and a heavy load of trucks in peril.
Initial assessment suggests that the weight of the cargo may have contributed to the rapid sinking once the hull was compromised.
Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh, who mobilized local "frontliners of the sea" following the distress call, is currently overseeing operations at a makeshift command center in Pilas. 
"We are racing against time and the tide. Our primary goal is to account for every soul on that manifest," she stated.
Survivors and their families are being directed to three main locations for support.
Medical teams and social workers at the Basilan Port are treating passengers for shock and hypothermia.
 Anxious families are gathered at the port of Jolo, awaiting news of their loved ones expected to arrive this morning.
 Medical teams in Zamboanga Port are on standby to receive incoming survivors.
The cause of the "serious technical problems" reported by the crew is currently under investigation. 

 

Related Tags

Ship sinking Basilan PCG Aleson MV Trisha SAR Hadji Muhtamad Zamboanga City Jolo Sulu
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