The number of those who reportedly died from the ill-fated roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank off Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan dawn on Monday, January 26, 2026, has climbed to 15, according to the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) as of 8:38 a.m.

CGDSWM added that 316 passengers survived while 43 others remain missing, as of this writing.

According to the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), the passenger cargo vessel 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 Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh said several passengers were rescued by members of the Bantay-Dagat of Barangay Baluk-Baluk. They were turned over to the Coast Guard-Basilan.

The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 is owned by Aleson Shipping Lines.