Photo courtesy of Provincial Government of Basilan
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has suspended operations of all passenger vessels under Aleson Shipping Lines following the tragic sinking of one of its ferries near Basilan.
Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced the directive during a press briefing in Zamboanga City on Monday, ordering the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to conduct a full safety inspection of the company’s fleet and crew.
The review is set to be completed within 10 days, after which DOTr will determine if the vessels can return to service. Lopez emphasized that the audit could extend beyond Aleson to cover other domestic shipping companies.
The action follows the sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which went down about 5 kilometers northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan early Monday.
Reports from the PCG and local authorities confirmed that 316 passengers and crew were rescued, while 18 people, including a six-month-old baby, died, and 10 remain missing.
The ferry had departed Zamboanga City at 9:20 p.m. on Sunday and issued a distress call around 1 a.m. Monday citing “serious technical problems” before strong waves caused it to sink.
Authorities clarified that the vessel carried 317 passengers and 27 crew members, which is below its authorized capacity of 352, refuting claims that it was overloaded.
