Probe Reveals Overloading in Ferry Sinking, 52 Dead

The passenger ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan province on January 26, killing at least 52 people and leaving around 30 others missing, as a result of overloading with passengers and cargo along with multiple safety violations, according to a government investigation.

The vessel, operated by Aleson Shipping Lines and traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo in Sulu, carried approximately 368 passengers and crew members, exceeding its authorized capacity of 352 passengers and 24 to 27 crew by at least 16 people. Philippine Coast Guard divers recovered five additional bodies from the wreckage on February 11, bringing the confirmed death toll to 52, while 316 individuals were rescued. The missing include the ship's captain, several crew members, and Shariah Court Judge Alberto Romoros. Survivors reported noticing the ship's instability before departure, attributing it to the heavy load of vehicles and people.

A joint probe by the Department of Transportation, Maritime Industry Authority, and Philippine Coast Guard revealed that the ferry's passenger manifest listed only 332 passengers, but discrepancies emerged when cross-referencing survivor accounts...