Following the sinking of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 on Monday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) released an advisory Thursday outlining alternative shipping options for affected routes. The Aleson Shipping Line, owner of the sunken vessel, has had its fleet suspended while the situation is assessed.
Route Disruptions and Replacements
The DOTr instructed the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to authorize shipping lines that have passed safety inspections to temporarily cover Aleson’s routes. The President directed that safe transportation options remain available to passengers. Several routes are affected, with varying degrees of coverage.
- Zamboanga City – Isabela City and vice versa: Montenegro Shipping lines, Inc. (MV Reina Justisya) and SRN Fast Seacraft Inc. (MC Weesam Express 2)
- Zamboanga City – Lamitan City and vice versa: Currently, no shipping lines are serving this route, but an alternative is available via Zamboanga City-Isabela City, Basilan.
- Zamboanga City – Siasi, Sulu and vice versa: Ever Lines (MV Ever Queen of Asia)
- Zamboanga City – Jolo, Sulu and vice versa: 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: Ever Lines (MV Ever Queen of Asia)
- Puluan, Dapitan City – Dumaguete City and vice versa: 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: 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)
A special permit for the Zamboanga-Lamitan City route is expected to be issued shortly. In the interim, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is offering free passage on the BRP Capones for passengers traveling between these cities.
Priority will be given to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and children, with a capacity of up to 80 passengers per trip. Registered passengers will be transported to the vessel via PCG rescue truck and are advised to bring valid identification.
Search and rescue operations continue for those still missing, complicated by the presence of sharks in the area where the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank. Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso indicated a snapped lashing securing heavy cargo may have contributed to the sinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the sinking of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3?
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.
What is being done for passengers traveling between Zamboanga and Lamitan City?
Currently, no shipping lines are serving the Zamboanga City – Lamitan City route. An alternative route is offered through Zamboanga City-Isabela City, Basilan. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is also offering free trips on the BRP Capones, prioritizing senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and children.
Which shipping lines are now serving the Zamboanga City – Isabela City route?
Montenegro Shipping lines, Inc. (MV Reina Justisya) and SRN Fast Seacraft Inc. (MC Weesam Express 2) are currently serving the Zamboanga City – Isabela City and vice versa route.
As the investigation into the sinking progresses, it remains to be seen whether further adjustments to shipping schedules or safety protocols will be necessary to ensure the safe passage of passengers in the region.
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