Photo credit to Ely Dumaboc
MV Trisha Kerstin 3 Sinks Near Pilas, Basilan; Rescue Efforts Ongoing as Death Toll Rises
with reports from Ely DumabocIpil, Zamboanga Sibugay, January 26, 2026 - A tragic sea accident unfolded early Monday morning after MV Trisha Kerstin 3, a roll-on/roll-off vessel of Aleson Shipping Lines, sank in waters near Barangay Baluk-baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad municipality (formerly Pilas Island), Basilan.
The vessel, which regularly serves passengers and traders traveling between Zamboanga City and Jolo, Sulu, sent out a distress call at around 12:50 a.m. Reports said water quickly entered the ship, causing a dangerous situation on board.
Within 10 to 20 minutes, the ship capsized and sank at around 1:10 a.m. The vessel was carrying about 350 passengers, along with several trucks and heavy cargo. Authorities believe the heavy load may have caused the ship to sink faster once water entered.
Rescue teams and local fishermen worked together to search for survivors. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed that at least 80 passengers were rescued from the sea.
However, the tragedy also claimed lives. As of this report, more than 10 people have been confirmed dead, and the number may still increase as search and rescue operations continue.
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Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh of Hadji Muhtamad immediately ordered the deployment of local responders after receiving the distress call. She remains on-site, overseeing operations from a temporary command center in Pilas.
“Our responders acted right away once we got the ship’s location,” the mayor said. “We are doing everything we can to find everyone listed on the passenger manifest.”
Authorities have set up areas to help survivors and families:
• Isabela City Port, where rescued passengers are receiving medical care for injuries, shock, and cold exposure.
• Jolo Port, where families are waiting for updates on loved ones who were on board the vessel.
• Zamboanga City Port, where medical teams are on standby to receive more survivors.
The Philippine Coast Guard said the crew reported serious technical problems, but the exact cause of the sinking is still under investigation. Officials are also checking the condition of the vessel and the cargo it was carrying.
Search and rescue operations continue despite strong sea currents. Authorities and volunteers remain hopeful as they work to locate those still missing, while families wait anxiously for news.
