PCG teams moved the remains of ferry victims from Basilan to Zamboanga City. Photo courtesy of Hadji Muhtamad Municipal Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday said overcapacity and safety lapses likely contributed to the sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan waters.
DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez cited preliminary findings from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), noting that the vessel carried more passengers and rolling cargo than its authorized capacity. Trucks and motorcycles were reportedly not weighed before departure.
The secretary explained that overloading may have caused cargo to shift, destabilizing the ship. Investigators also found inconsistencies between the passenger manifest and the number of survivors and missing persons, which remain under validation.
Lopez said poor seamanship was another potential factor, pointing to the crew’s handling of the vessel when water began to enter. Safety deficiencies were also documented, yet the ship was still issued a seaworthiness certificate by a MARINA-accredited private classification society.
In response, Lopez ordered administrative complaints against Aleson Shipping Lines, the ship’s crew, and MARINA and PCG personnel involved in the Zamboanga Peninsula. He said DOTr is coordinating preparations for potential criminal charges.
The department also maintained the grounding of the entire Aleson Shipping Lines fleet as authorities conducted a maritime safety inspection and audit.
As of Wednesday, the PCG reported 52 deaths and 316 survivors. Officials continue verifying the total number of passengers aboard the vessel when it left Zamboanga City for Jolo, Sulu on January 25 and sank the following morning.