Family of missing cadet shares chilling final texts before ship sinks

• The brother of an on-duty cadet is appealing to the public and local authorities for help after their relative went missing during the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3
• Cadet Kyle Punsalang managed to send distressing final messages to his family stating that the ship was tilting and pleading for help just before the vessel went down
• Search and rescue operations are currently underway near Baluk-Baluk Island for the 332 passengers and 27 crew members who were en route to Jolo, Sulu
• Local officials have confirmed at least eight fatalities from the incident including a baby girl while the Philippine Coast Guard maintains the ship was not overloaded

A heartbreaking search is currently underway for a young cadet who was on duty when the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank off the coast of Basilan on Monday, January 26. While rescue teams scramble to find survivors, the family of Cadet Kyle Punsalang is using social media to reach out to anyone who might have information regarding his whereabouts.

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JP Punsalang, Kyle’s brother, took to Facebook to share the terrifying final moments of their communication. In a series of screenshots, Kyle’s desperate situation was clear. He sent messages saying, “[M]e tagilid among barko,” and a plea for help: “tabangggg.” According to JP, Kyle was a dedicated student who checked in with his family regularly, making his sudden silence even more painful.

The vessel, a Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) ship, departed from Zamboanga City at 9:20 PM on Sunday, January 25, bound for Jolo, Sulu. By 1:50 AM the following morning, the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) received a distress call. The ship eventually sank approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island.

In his emotional post, JP addressed the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Zamboanga and Isabela de Basilan. “To all people who might see this post,” he wrote, “I am humbly asking for your help if either you have contacts from LGUs of Zamboanga and Isabela de Basilan with regards the whereabouts of my brother CADET Kyle Punsalang.” He urged residents near the ports or members of the coast guard to contact the family at 09109299950 if they have any leads.

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While the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has clarified that the vessel was not overloaded—carrying 359 people against a maximum capacity of 350—the tragedy has already claimed lives. Basilan Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh confirmed that at least eight individuals have died, including a baby girl.

The Perils of the Sea Maritime travel remains a vital but often dangerous necessity for residents in the Southern Philippines, where RORO ships connect the scattered islands of the Sulu Archipelago. The MV Trisha Kerstin 3 incident is a somber reminder of the risks faced by seafaring crews and cadets like Kyle, who are often the first to respond during emergencies on board. As the search continues, the Punsalang family remains hopeful, relying on the bravery of rescuers and the power of the community to bring their loved one home.

The maritime community continues to reel from this incident, which echoes other recent tragedies involving Filipino seafarers and passengers across the country.

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A cargo vessel manned by Filipino crew members was previously attacked and sunk, resulting in a devastating loss of life. Authorities confirmed that four individuals died while 14 others remain missing following the hostile encounter at sea. The incident has sparked international concern over the safety of Filipino seafarers working in high-risk zones.

A mother’s heroic act ended in tragedy when she passed away after attempting to save her youngest child from a sinking boat. Witnesses described the mother's desperate struggle to keep her child afloat before she eventually succumbed to the water. This emotional story has touched many, highlighting the selfless sacrifices parents make during maritime disasters.

Source: KAMI.com.gh