DOTr releases alternative shipping lines to routes affected by Aleson suspension

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) released Thursday a list of shipping lines that will serve affected routes following the suspension of the Aleson Shipping Line due to the sinking of one of its ferries, the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3.

In an advisory on Thursday, DOTr instructed the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to allow other shipping lines that have passed safety inspections to serve Aleson’s routes while their suspension is in effect.

“Kasunod ito ng direktiba ng Pangulo na tiyaking may ligtas na masasakyan pa rin ang mga pasahero, kasunod ng paglubog ng MV Trisha Kerstin 3 ng Aleson noong Lunes,” the advisory shared.

(This is in line with the President’s directives to ensure passengers still have a safe mode of transportation following the sinking of Aleson’s MV Trisha Kerstin 3 on Monday.)

The affected routes and alternative shipping lines are as follows:

• Zamboanga City – Isabela City and vice versa
  Served by: Montenegro Shipping lines, Inc. (MV Reina Justisya)
   and SRN Fast Seacraft Inc. (MC Weesam Express 2)
   
• Zamboanga City – Lamitan City and vice versa
  Served by: none, alternative route is offered through Zamboanga City-Isabela City, Basilan
   
• Zamboanga City – Siasi, Sulu and vice versa
  Served by: Ever Lines (MV Ever Queen of Asia)
   
• Zamboanga City – Jolo, Sulu and vice versa
  Served by: Montenegro Shipping Lines, Inc. (MV Maria Erlina and MV Maria Rebecca), Ibnerizam Shipping Lines (MV Honduras, MV Prince Majesty), Ever Lines (MV Ever Queen of Asia)
   
• Zamboanga City – Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, and vice versa
  Served by: Ever Lines (MV Ever Queen of Asia)
   
• Puluan, Dapitan City – Dumaguete City and vice versa
  Served by: Montenegro Shipping Lines, Inc. (MV Reina De Luna, MV Maria Josefa, MV Ma. Helena), Archipelago Philippines Ferries Corp. (MV Fast Cat M5), Cokaliong Shipping Lines Inc. (MV Filipinas Dapitan, MV Filipinas Ozamis, MV Fil. Surigao del Norte), Lite Shipping Corporation (MV Lite Ferry Twelve), Seem Sam Shipping Inc. (LCT 1028)
   
• Dumaguete City – Siquijor/Larena and vice versa
  Served by: Montenegro Shipping Lines, Inc. (MV Maria Gloria, MV Reina Neptuna), Ocean Fast Ferries (MV Ocean Jet 888, MV Ocean Jet 388, MV Ocean Jet 188), HS Star Marine Shipping (MV Star Crafts 6)

DOTr said a special permit for the Zamboanga-Lamitan City route will be issued soon.

“Sakaling kulangin ang mga barko, nauna nang tiniyak ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) na handa silang magbigay ng libreng sakay sa mga pasahero,” DOTr said in its advisory.

(In case there is still a lack of ships, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has assured they are ready to provide free rides to the public.)

The ill-fated MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank in the waters off Basilan on Monday, leading to 18 deaths and 10 persons still missing.

Search and rescue operations are currently underway for the missing individuals, with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reporting risks and complications due to the presence of sharks in the area where the ferry sank.

Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso shared a possible reason for the sinking could be the snapping of a lashing holding heavy cargo in the RORO. —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News