M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 Sinks Off Basilan; Coast Guard Rescues Hundreds
The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank after midnight off Basilan with 332 passengers and 27 crew aboard, coast guard officials said.
Overview
Philippine Coast Guard Commander Romel Dua said the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank after midnight off Basilan province and rescuers saved 215 passengers while recovering seven bodies as search operations continued.
The ferry had 332 passengers and 27 crew on its manifest and reportedly encountered technical problems en route from Zamboanga to Jolo Island, prompting the coast guard to open an investigation, officials confirmed.
Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman said he received 37 survivors at the Isabela pier and that two bodies were brought ashore, while navy ships, an air force Black Hawk and fishing boats joined rescue efforts, officials confirmed.
Accounts on survivor and casualty totals are disputed, with other reports and local posts citing between 244 and 316 rescued and between seven and 15 bodies recovered, according to coast guard statements and local officials.
Coast Guard Commander Romel Dua said investigators will determine the cause and that darkness and rough seas hampered searches as authorities hunted for 144 people listed as missing, coast guard records show.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources report this neutrally: the coverage relies on factual attribution, measured language, and balanced context. It privileges verified statements (coast guard commander’s description of rescue numbers, governor’s on‑scene report) and flags uncertainty (“cause… not immediately clear”). Only contextual historical detail (Dona Paz) adds perspective without evaluative spin.
Sources (5)
FAQ
The exact cause is not yet clear; the ferry encountered technical problems, and the Philippine Coast Guard is conducting an investigation. The vessel was cleared at departure with no signs of overloading.
The ferry had 332 passengers and 27 crew aboard. Reports vary: at least 316 rescued, 15 dead, and 28-144 missing, with ongoing search operations.
The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank after midnight near Baluk-baluk village in Basilan province, about one nautical mile offshore, while en route from Zamboanga to Jolo Island.
Coast Guard and navy ships, an air force Black Hawk helicopter, a surveillance plane, and fishing boats are conducting search and rescue operations, despite challenges from darkness and rough seas.
Accounts differ across reports: Coast Guard states 215 rescued and 7 bodies; other sources cite 244-316 rescued and 7-15 dead, as search operations continue.
History
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