PCG dismisses 4 personnel over M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sinking

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Thursday that four of its personnel have been dismissed without honor from the service after investigation into the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3.

In a statement, the PCG cited serious lapses in mandatory pre-departure inspection procedures for the removal of the following Coast Guard personnel from the concerned pre-departure inspection (PDI) team:

• Petty Officer First Class Sabhal Turaini
• Petty Officer Third Class Khalid Asmawil
• Petty Officer Third Class Al-Yazar Muyong
• Apprentice Seawoman Mar-Iya Anawie 

“Dahil sa kabiguang magsagawa ng independiyenteng beripikasyon sa aktuwal na bilang ng mga pasahero at wastong dokumentasyon ng ‘load line markings’ ng barko — mga kritikal na hakbang upang matiyak ang kaligtasan sa paglalayag,” the PCG said.

(This is due to the failure to conduct independent verification of the actual number of passengers and proper documentation of the ship’s ‘load line markings’ — critical steps to ensure maritime safety.)

Aside from them, more personnel face penalties over the sinking of the vessel.

Petty Officer Third Class Jestoni Barretto, who served as duty office watch, was demoted by one rank due to lack of due diligence in the performance of his duties.

Lieutenant Commander Tristan Jener Erediano and Lieutenant Jason Pagbonocan, who served as station commander and acting station commander in Zamboanga, were suspended for one year without pay.

The two were also ordered to undergo mandatory retraining on proper ship inspection standards, effective supervision of PDI teams, and operational management.

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said the agency does not condone any violation of maritime safety standards.

The Coast Guard will continue to enhance its inspection systems, supervision protocols, and personnel training to ensure public safety at sea, she added.

Meanwhile, the underwater operations for the sunken M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 are set to conclude on Thursday but affected families can expect continued support from authorities, according to the PCG.

As of February 22, the total fatalities were at 65, with 293 survivors and 14 still missing persons, according to the PCG.

M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 on the evening of January 25 departed from Port of Zamboanga City for Jolo, Sulu but it submerged in Basilan waters on the morning of January 26.

Overloading was one of the potential causes of the sinking of the vessel. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News