Basilan ferry tragedy death toll reaches 52, officials face ouster

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Divers recovered another body from the submerged wreck of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 on Wednesday, bringing the confirmed death toll to 52 as the government ordered the immediate removal of several maritime officials for “gross negligence.”

The latest victim, a woman found in the ferry’s economy section, was retrieved by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Technical Diving Group roughly 15 minutes into a 7 a.m. dive. The recovery followed a grim Tuesday operation where divers pulled five bodies, including two children and two women, from the vessel resting approximately 20 to 30 meters deep off Baluk-Baluk Island.

While 316 survivors have been accounted for since the 26 January sinking, at least 40 people remain missing. Commodore Rejard Marfe, commander of PCG District Southwestern Mindanao, said search and rescue teams continue to navigate structural hazards and perilous underwater conditions to bring closure to grieving families.

The mounting death toll has triggered a massive shakeup within the Department of Transportation (DoTr), as Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced Wednesday the relief of 14 officials from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).

Among those removed are Marina Zamboanga regional director Jedini Nur Sibal and PCG Zamboanga Station Commander Lt. Cmdr. Tristan Jener Q. Erediano.

Lopez said the officials failed to accurately verify the passenger manifest and allowed the vessel to sail despite serious safety deficiencies.

Investigators found the ferry was severely overloaded and lacked proper certifications for seaworthiness and passenger capacity. The probe also revealed that a weighbridge at the Zamboanga terminal was not used to monitor cargo limits.

Administrative charges for neglect of duty are being filed against the relieved personnel, but Lopez warned that criminal charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act may follow.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is also coordinating with the government to file criminal charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide against both government officials and executives of Aleson Shipping Lines Inc.

Also, the DoTr has suspended the entire fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines for a 10-day safety review and to prevent future tragedies, Lopez said the department will mandate that life vests be placed under all seats and that inflatable life racks remain accessible at all times.

A new risk-based categorization for ships and routes will also be implemented to strengthen oversight of the maritime industry.

To recall, the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu, with at least 359 people on board when it issued a distress signal at 1:50 a.m. on 26 January. Strong waves reportedly flooded the lower deck, leading to the capsize.