Survivors of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 reveal alleged manifest irregularities and overloading

• Aleson Shipping Lines has officially responded to the tragic sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, asserting they activated "quick response measures" immediately after receiving a distress call
• The company expressed its deepest condolences to the victims' families and emphasized its close coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard for search and rescue operations
• Management has been ordered by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to expedite all insurance claims and financial aid for the dozens of affected passengers
• While survivors allege gross negligence, the shipping line maintains that the cause of the sinking is still under investigation and has requested public patience and prayers

Amidst the heavy accusations of negligence and "rotten" ship facilities, Aleson Shipping Lines has stepped forward to clarify its side of the story regarding the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 tragedy. As the death toll from the Basilan sinking climbed to 42, the company broke its silence to address the growing public outrage and the looming legal cases threatened by the survivors.

Read also

PNP identifies motive in brutal double murder of cop and son

In an official statement, the shipping firm claimed that they did not abandon their responsibilities when the vessel encountered trouble on January 26. “From the moment we received the distress call, we immediately activated our quick response measures and deployed all available vessels in the area,” the company stated. They highlighted their efforts in working alongside the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and local government units to rescue over 300 individuals from the water.

This clarification comes as a direct response to harrowing testimonies from survivors like Atty. Aquino Sajili and Nur Hussein Sali, who earlier told Senator Raffy Tulfo that the crew provided no assistance and even prioritized their own safety. To counter these claims and avoid a swift legal hammer, Aleson Shipping emphasized that they are fully cooperating with the "full-blown" investigation ordered by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Beyond the rescue operations, the management is now focusing on the aftermath. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has strictly ordered the company to prioritize the processing of insurance claims—estimated at ₱200,000 for families of the deceased and ₱50,000 for survivors. Aleson expressed their gratitude to the local leaders of Basilan and Sulu for their prompt help during the crisis.

Read also

Tricycle driver gunned down by masked assailants after high-speed chase

Aleson Shipping Lines is no stranger to maritime controversy. Based in Zamboanga City, it is one of the largest shipping operators in Western Mindanao, with a history spanning back to 1976. However, the company’s reputation has been battered by records showing 32 safety-related incidents since 2019. Despite this, the company asks the public for “prayers, patience, and understanding” as the maritime safety audit of their entire fleet continues.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) recently verified the tragic passing of a Filipino crew member while on duty aboard an international cruise ship. This report has reignited discussions on the welfare and working conditions of thousands of Filipinos employed in the global maritime industry. The government is currently working to ensure the victim's family receives full benefits and that the remains are returned home with dignity.

In a deeply emotional story, the family of a missing maritime cadet shared the final text messages sent just moments before his ship submerged. The messages reflect the confusion and lack of safety protocols during the vessel's final minutes, leading to calls for stricter regulations in maritime schools and shipping companies. The family continues to demand a thorough investigation into why the emergency procedures allegedly failed to save the young trainee.

Source: KAMI.com.gh