Tragedy at Sea: Investigating the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 Sinking

The entire fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc. has been grounded after the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 ferry sank in the Philippines, killing at least 18 people. Rescue operations continue as investigators assess the ferry's seaworthiness amidst a history of maritime accidents in the country.

The Philippine government has grounded the entire fleet of ships belonging to Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc. This decision follows the tragic sinking of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off the coast of Basilan province, which resulted in at least 18 fatalities. A massive rescue operation has saved over 300 individuals, but ten remain missing.

Search efforts are being led by the coast guard and navy, with plans to deploy divers and an unmanned vehicle to examine the submerged wreckage, estimated to be 76 meters deep. The ferry sank while en route to Jolo from Zamboanga, carrying more than 300 passengers and crew.

Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized the need to inspect all Aleson vessels to ensure safety, citing 32 previous incidents since 2019. The grounding decision seeks to prevent major transport disruptions and ensure such tragedies are not repeated.

(With inputs from agencies.)