An investigation by the Philippines’ Department of Transportation into the tragic sinking of the ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 has revealed that the vessel was overloaded during its final voyage. In response, the government has dismissed several officials, including the local head of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Zamboanga Coast Guard chief, along with 12 other personnel. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that at least three individuals, including Zamboanga MARINA director Jedini Nur Sibal, are facing administrative charges and potential criminal investigations.
Lopez indicated that the ferry’s operator, Aleson Shipping Lines, may also face legal action. He has instructed MARINA to initiate an administrative case against the company and assess whether it should retain its operating franchise. The investigation has uncovered various operational issues with the ferry, including discrepancies in passenger capacity certifications, maintenance records, and seaworthiness documentation. It was revealed that the Trisha Kerstin 3 was overloaded with passengers and cargo, and the terminal’s weigh bridge was not utilized for vehicle weights.
As the search for victims continues, the death toll has risen to 52, with one additional body recovered recently. The passenger manifest has been revised, showing 23 fewer survivors than initially reported, now totaling 293. The Philippine Coast Guard noted that the inaccuracies stemmed from missing records of surviving passengers and crew. Additionally, 27 individuals are still listed as missing, which includes six bodies yet to be identified, bringing the estimated number of people aboard the ferry to 372.
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