Eight people were reported dead, as of this writing, after a Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessel has sunk in the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan dawn on Monday, January 26, 2026.

According to the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 was carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members when it sank 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island.

The vessel was bound for Sulu from Zamboanga City.

CGDSWM said the vessel was not overloaded as it has a maximum capacity of 352 passengers.

No oil spill was reported, as of this writing.

Hadji Mutamad Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh confirmed that eight passengers were reported dead, as of this writing.

"Upon receipt of the distress call from the PCG Sea Marshal onboard, the PCG immediately deployed rescue assets, including the 44-meter, MRRV 4401, BRP Tubattaha from Zamboanga City. Support was also provided by commercial vessels, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), other government agencies, and local government units (LGUs)," CGDSWM said.

In a statement, Aleson Shipping Lines Inc., the company that owns the vessel, thanked those who responded and offered assistance during the incident.

“Our thoughts and hearts are with everyone who was on board and with their families during this extremely difficult time,” the company said.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Governor Mujiv Hataman, Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh, and to all local government units and agencies who responded without hestitation and offered their invaluable assistance during this critical time,” the company added.

The company also said that it is working closely with the Philippine Coast Guard and other concerned agencies as search and rescue operations for the missing passengers continue, as of this writing.