Zamboanga city: Acting Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez has grounded the entire passenger fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines (ASL) following a ferry sinking incident in Basilan waters that resulted in 18 fatalities. The grounding is part of a comprehensive investigation ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. into the sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, which occurred on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lopez announced during a press conference that the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have been tasked with conducting a maritime safety audit of ASL's fleet. The audit, which aims to assess risk compliance and inspect both the fleet and crew, is expected to be completed within 10 days. The findings will help determine whether ASL can resume its passenger shipping operations.
Lopez emphasized the importance of holding ship owners accountable and improving government oversight. Since 2019, ASL has been involved in 32 maritime incidents, including the recent sinking. Questions were raised about MARINA's actions over the years and potential shortcomings in maritime safety enforcement.
The investigation's outcomes will contribute to drafting a department order to revise maritime safety enforcement policies, aiming to prevent future incidents. The focus is on institutionalizing policies to avoid similar tragedies.
Meanwhile, the PCG is continuing search and rescue operations for 10 missing individuals from M/V Trisha Kerstin, including eight crew members, the ship captain, and a PCG marshal. So far, 316 people have been rescued, and 18 casualties have been confirmed. The ship had 344 people on board, contrary to the 359 listed on the manifest due to no-show passengers.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan reported that six technical divers and their equipment have been deployed from Manila to begin a technical dive into the shipwreck. A total of 16 divers will participate in the search and rescue operation, with additional divers arriving soon. The PCG's remotely operated vehicle is also investigating the wreck of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3.
