MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the suspension of all passenger vessels operated by Aleson Shipping Lines following the sinking of the roll-on/roll-off ferry M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilans’s waters. At least 18 people died and several others unaccounted for.
Speaking at a press briefing Tuesday, DOTr acting secretary Giovanni Lopez said the move was meant to prevent similar incidents while authorities determine what caused the disaster.
“Ngayon ina-announce din namin, we are grounding the entire passenger fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines,” Lopez said.
He also ordered a sweeping review of the company’s operations.
“I’m asking MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) to conduct a maritime safety audit together with the Philippine Coast Guard. Hindi lang po ang kanilang barko, kasama na rin po ng kanilang mga crew,” said Lopez.
The ill-fated vessel departed Zamboanga City on Sunday, January 25, bound for Jolo, Sulu, but went down off Basilan on Monday, January 26.
As of Monday night, the DOTr confirmed 18 fatalities, while 10 passengers and crew members remained missing.
Search and recovery efforts are being intensified. The Philippine Coast Guard said specialized divers from Manila are being flown in to help locate those still unaccounted for.
“Ngayong araw na ito darating yung anim na technical divers from Manila with their equipment. At dahil lumipad sila, makakapag-start sila ng technical diving bukas,” Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said.
He said more reinforcements are on the way as the operation expands.
“Nag-prepare tayo ng 16 divers, technical wreck divers. Yung susunod ay bukas po sila darating,” Gavan added.
Gavan also said a remotely operated vehicle will be deployed to assist in scanning the wreck and the surrounding seabed as authorities continue their search in the coming days./PN
