Basilan province, Philippines – The grim recovery of three more bodies from the wreckage of a capsized ferry has pushed the death toll to 40, officials confirmed today, February 29, 2024. The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3,carrying over 250 passengers,sank off the coast of Malita town on February 26,2024,sparking a massive search and rescue operation.
Ferry Tragedy: Death Toll Mounts as Search Continues
The sinking of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 has become the deadliest maritime disaster in the Philippines this year.
- The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 capsized on February 26, 2024, off the coast of Malita, Basilan.
- As of February 29, 2024, the confirmed death toll has reached 40.
- The Aleson Shipping Lines, operator of the ferry, has been banned from operating in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) have issued special permits for Aleson Shipping Lines to serve alternate routes.
What caused the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 to sink? While the exact cause remains under examination, initial reports suggest the vessel may have been overloaded and encountered rough seas. Survivors have described chaotic scenes as the ferry listed heavily before capsizing.
The latest bodies were recovered by divers and coast guard personnel scouring the seabed, according to authorities. The search for remaining missing passengers continues, though hopes are dwindling as time passes. As of this morning, officials have not released an updated count of those still unaccounted for, but estimates suggest dozens remain missing.
Shipping Company Faces Scrutiny,route Changes Approved
The bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has banned Aleson Shipping Lines,the operator of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3,from operating within its waters. However, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) have issued Aleson Shipping Lines special permits allowing them to serve alternate routes, a move that has drawn criticism from some quarters.
Philippine Coast Guard is leading the investigation, collecting testimonies from survivors and examining the vessel’s documentation.
The tragedy underscores the vulnerability of maritime transport in the Philippines, where frequent typhoons and aging infrastructure pose significant risks. Advocates are urging the government to invest in modernizing the ferry fleet and enhancing safety protocols to prevent future disasters.
Authorities are urging families of missing passengers to remain hopeful but prepared for the possibility of further tragic discoveries. Support services are being provided to those affected by the disaster, including grief counseling and financial assistance.