M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 might have sunk due to overloading—DOTr
Overloading may have contributed to the sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan, based on initial findings from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Speaking at a press conference, DOTr Sec. Giovanni Lopez detailed the developments in the ongoing investigation.
“Ang isa po sa mga natukoy na potential causes sa paglubog ng barko ay 'yung sinasabi nating may posibilidad ng overcapacity at overloading. Ito po ay dahil kapag may overloading or overcapacity, posibleng pong nagkaroon ng cargo shift doon sa mga rolling cargoes noong vessel,” he said.
“Ang overloading or overcapacity is the combined weight of the passengers and the rolling cargoes versus doon sa actual capacity na kayang buhatin ng barko,” he added.
According to Lopez, several vehicles, including trucks and motorcycles classified as rolling cargo, were not weighed before the ferry left port.
Investigators are likewise examining possible poor seamanship and safety lapses.
“May nakita din pong poor seamanship, ibig sabihin, 'yung competence ng mga tripulante lalo na noong nagsimulang pumasok 'yung tubig sa barko,” Lopez said.
“Lumabas din ang inconsistencies, which is still subject to further validation by the Coast Guard. Doon sa numero ng pasahero as per the passenger manifest kumpara doon sa mga numero ng survivors or still missing at recovered,” he added.
Lopez also pointed out that despite recorded “safety deficiencies,” the vessel was issued a seaworthiness certificate after a safety audit by MARINA-accredited private classification society Orient Shipping Lines.
"Itong M/V Trisha Kirsten 3 meron na itong safety deficiencies gayunpaman nabigyan sila ng safety certificate, seaworthiness certificate. Dapat hindi tinanggap ng MARINA," he said.
Following these findings, Lopez ordered the filing of administrative complaints against the shipping line owner, the crew, and some PCG and MARINA personnel. Criminal charges may also follow. Several regional PCG and MARINA personnel have already been suspended.
The Basilan Ferry tragedy occurred on Jan. 26 after the ferry carrying nearly 350 passengers and crew members sank off the coast of Basilan.
M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, owned by Aleson Shipping Lines, issued a distress signal around 1:50 a.m. that day, a bit over four hours since it departed the Port of Zamboanga City, according to the PCG.
Survivors told AFP that the ferry began listing heavily in the middle of the night, with one sharing that he heard a sudden loud snap. The ship then immediately capsized off Baluk-Baluk Island.
As of February 11, the PCG has recorded 52 fatalities and 316 survivors in connection with the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3.
