Philippine grounds ferry fleet after 18 perish in southern sinking

by: Josh

Published: January 28, 2026 | 12:00 P.M.

Philippine maritime authorities have ordered the immediate grounding of all passenger vessels owned by Aleson Shipping Lines following the tragic sinking of the M/V Trisha Krestin 3, which claimed at least 18 dead, with more than 300 rescued.

The steel-hulled ferry was navigating the waters between Zamboanga and Jolo when it suddenly listed and went down near Baluk-baluk Island. Among the confirmed dead is a six-month-old infant, a major detail that has become a central point of the local grief following the disaster.

316 passengers were successfully rescued, many surviving for hours in the dark, choppy waters by clinging to the life jackets and debris.

The coast guard initially reported that it was carrying 332 passengers, but later said 15 of them decided not to board at the last minute, Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez said.