DOTr grounds Aleson’s fleet after M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sinking

Metro Manila, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the grounding of Aleson Shipping Lines (ASL), the operator of MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank off Basilan on Jan. 26, pending an ongoing investigation.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the DOTr is grounding the entire passenger fleet of ASL following Monday’s tragedy, which claimed 18 lives, with 10 still missing.

“I am just giving them [Philippine Coast Guard] 15 days for the investigation,” Lopez said.

Lopez also said that President Bongbong Marcos ordered a “full-blown” investigation into the incident.

According to Lopez, if the investigation reveals that the company’s violations warrant either suspension or revocation, sanctions will be imposed.

The official further questioned the validity of MV Trisha Kerstin 3’s safety compliance documents filed with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), which are effective until October 2026.

“Inaral ko rin po yung maritime safety record ng Aleson Shipping Lines and it appears since 2019 mayroon po silang 32 maritime incidents,” Lopez said.

[Translation: I have also reviewed the maritime safety record of Aleson Shipping Lines, and it appears that since 2019, they have been involved in 32 maritime incidents.]

“Nasaan ang mga reports? Ano ang pagkukulang natin?” Lopez asked the shipping company.

[Translation: Where are the reports? Where did we fall short?]

Following the grounding of the company’s operations, concerns were raised as Aleson operates the only passenger ferry crossing the Zamboanga Peninsula.

“[We will] find ways to issue special permits to other interested shipping lines [that is] sea worthy,” Lopez responded.

Lopez also said he has urged MARINA, along with the PCG, to inspect and conduct a maritime safety audit and risk compliance review of all domestic vessels.

A department order will be released in the coming days to evaluate existing policies on maritime activities in the country.

“Kung lalabas po sa imbestigasyon na mayroon pong pagkukulang ang gobyerno… we will file the appropriate cases,” Lopez said.

[Translation: If the investigation shows that there were shortcomings on the part of the government…we will file the appropriate cases.]