ZAMBOANGA CITY — As the search for the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 enters its third day, survivors recount chaos as waves flooded the lower deck shortly after midnight Monday, en route from Zamboanga to Jolo, Sulu. Passengers said no crew members sounded alarms or gave instructions, leaving many to fend for themselves in the dark, turbulent waters.

Life vests were reportedly scarce, contradicting the Maritime Industry Authority’s (Marina) claim of 500 units onboard. One doctor reportedly disembarked before departure after spotting what he described as a “coffin” on board.

A joint Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)–Marina investigation is underway, covering vessel seaworthiness, crew competency, passenger and crew manifests, cargo securing, weather conditions, distress response, and compliance with safety drills and life vest protocols.

Cargo lashing under scrutiny

Proper lashing — the securing of heavy cargo such as trucks and vehicles — is crucial for a ship’s stability. Improperly lashed cargo can shift during rough seas, causing a vessel to list, capsize, or sink, putting passengers and crew at extreme risk.

Marina clarified that while the government inspects and regulates vessels, securing cargo is ultimately the responsibility of ship owners.

“As for the lashing, I would like to believe that it is the responsibility of the ship owner,” Marina spokesperson Lui delos Santos said on Wednesday. “Those in domestic shipping must ensure their ships are safe, crews are trained, and basic safety measures are followed.”

Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, a former ship captain and husband of an Aleson Shipping Lines owner, said heavy cargo may have overwhelmed the lashing materials.

“Perhaps the materials couldn’t handle the load. When the truck tilted, the ship hit an ‘angle of loll’ and eventually sank,” he said.

While the Department of Transportation (DoTr) is Marina’s parent agency, it does not directly oversee vessel safety. Marina sets safety standards and conducts inspections, but day-to-day safety remains a shared responsibility with ship owners.

“Our inspection and audit processes are strict and comprehensive,” Delos Santos said. “We have trained auditors, surveyors, naval architects, marine officers, and engineers ensuring compliance.”

Rising death toll and ongoing search

The death toll has climbed to 19, with dozens still missing, including the ship’s captain, second engineer JD Kent Pioquinto, 28, and apprentice Kyle Punsalang, 22, from Davao City. Up to 24 others remain unaccounted for, including three children and six adults, with additional reports still being verified.

Families continue to hold on to hope as authorities work to confirm victims and survivors. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan confirmed 19 deaths and 317 rescued passengers. A 16-member team of technical wreck divers from Manila is now conducting underwater searches near Baluk-Baluk Island, using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to inspect deep-water areas where strong currents and low visibility make human diving risky.

The ferry, with a total passenger capacity of 359 (including 27 crew members), sank roughly 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island shortly after midnight on 26 January. The disaster reportedly stemmed from strong waves flooding the lower deck, causing the vessel to capsize. DoTr has since grounded the entire Aleson Shipping Lines fleet pending a full investigation. Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez noted the company has been involved in more than 30 maritime incidents since 2019.

Rescue teams and controversy

Tributes and tensions have surfaced in the tragedy’s aftermath.

Kusog Tausug Rep. Aiman Tan praised the swift response of regional leaders, including Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan, Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman and Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh.

At the same time, Sulu 1st District Representative Samier Tan criticized Mayor Olaso for alleged conflicts of interest and past vessel safety failures tied to his business interests. “You are the local chief executive; it is your responsibility,” Tan said. “The vessels traveling from Zamboanga to Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi that have sunk or caught fire over the decades — those are part of your business. This is a clear sign of negligence.” Olaso’s office has yet to respond.

Alternative transport arrangements

Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure safe transport, DoTr has instructed Marina to allow other shipping companies meeting safety standards to operate on routes normally served by Aleson Shipping Lines. Eligible routes include Zamboanga City to Isabela City, Lamitan City, Siasi, Jolo and Bongao, as well as Pulauan, Dapitan City to Dumaguete City, and Dumaguete City to Siquijor and Larena.

PCG said its 44-meter vessels will be deployed to provide free rides if commercial ships are insufficient. Technical divers and ROVs have also been deployed to intensify search and rescue operations. Marina has set up help desks to assist Aleson passengers and expedite insurance claims.