Sara Duterte condoles with kin of fatalities in Basilan ferry sinking

Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday expressed condolences to the bereaved families of passengers who died after the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry vessel they were riding sank in the waters off Basilan.

The maritime incident, which occurred early Monday, resulted in the deaths of at least 18 individuals, according to the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao. Over 300 people have been rescued, while 24 remain missing.

"Mga kababayan, ikinalulungkot ko ang trahedyang sinapit ng barkong MV Trisha Kerstin 3 na lumubog sa karagatan malapit sa Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan, kahapon. Kami sa Tanggapan ng Pangalawang Pangulo ay lubos na nakikiramay sa mga pamilya at naiwang mahal sa buhay ng mga nasawi sa insidenteng ito," Duterte said in a statement. 

(I am saddened by the tragedy involving vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank in the waters near Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan, yesterday. We at the Office of the Vice President extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this incident.) 

The Vice President also sought prayers for the safety of the other passengers who are still being looked for by search and rescue teams.

"Ipinapanalangin din namin ang kaligtasan at lakas ng loob ng mga rescuers na patuloy na naglilingkod sa kabila ng hamon at panganib sa karagatan," she added.

(We also pray for the safety and strength of the rescuers who continue to serve despite the challenges and dangers in these waters.) 

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the vessel submerged while en route to Jolo, Sulu from Zamboanga City at around 1:50 a.m. on January 26. It was carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members when the incident happened approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan.

The PCG said based on initial investigation, the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 departed the Port of Zamboanga City at around 9:20 p.m. on January 25, "operating within its authorized maximum passenger capacity of 352."

PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said among the factors being examined in relation to the incident is the effect of the Amihan or Northeast Monsoon on the sea. — VDV, GMA Integrated News