The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, that the entire passenger fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc. has been grounded after its passenger vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank in Basilan waters on Monday, leaving 18 people dead.

DOTr Acting Secretary Giovannie Lopez said he has directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to conduct a safety audit, compliance and inspection within 10 days.

“As of now… the entire passenger fleet of Aleson Shipping Company they are now grounded and MARINA and Philippine Coast Guard they have 10 days to conduct a maritime safety audit, compliance, and inspection,” Lopez said in a press conference.

Lopez added that the decision whether to allow the vessels of Aleson to operate will be based on the safety audit.

“At magiging tugon po namin dito will be based on the safety audit ng Coast Guard at MARINA kung papayagan pa namin itong mga barko ng Aleson at hindi lang po Aleson again uulitin ko the entire domestic fleet ng Pilipinas,” Lopez said.

Lopez has also ordered MARINA to submit a full inventory and complete maritime safety audit of the entire domestic fleet of the Philippines.

Lopez said President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has ordered a full-blown investigation into the incident to determine the accountability of the government and the shipping company.

He assured that if lapses are found on the part of the government, those responsible will be held accountable.

“Kung lalabas man sa imbestigasyon na mayroon pong pagkukulang ang gobyerno makakaasa po kayo na yayariin, sisibakin, and we will file the appropriate cases,” Lopez said.

On the other hand, the shipping company will face the full force of the law should lapses be found.

Lopez said based on maritime safety record, Aleson Shipping Lines has recorded 32 maritime incidents since 2019, including the incident on Monday.

M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 was bound for Jolo, Sulu from Zamboanga City when it sank off Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan dawn on Monday.

At least 18 people were confirmed dead, and 10 others remain missing, according to DOTr as of Monday evening.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that diving operations for the remaining missing individuals are set to begin on Wednesday, January 28.

“Ngayon araw na ‘to darating ang 6 na technical divers from Manila with their equipment. At dahil lumipad sila makakapag-start sila ng technical diving bukas,” PCG Chief, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, said.