TRISHA KERSTIN 3

Aleson Shipping Lines face criminal charges after ferry disaster

FerryThe Philippine ferry operator Aleson Shipping Lines will face criminal charges for its negligence and safety lapses involving its passenger ferry TRISHA KERSTIN 3. The 1995-built 621 GT. RoPax carrying 372 passengers and crew sank 26 January off the waters in Basilan during a crossing between the Philippine islands Mindanao and Jolo Island, claiming the lives of 52 passengers, crew, and a Philippine Coast Guard personnel.

That was, according to the Philippine Coast Guard, stated by the Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez of the county’s Department of Transportation. Banoy Lopez stressed the importance of accountability on both the shipping line and the government agencies.

The death toll continues to rise, while 293 of the people on board have been confirmed alive following the sinking. The Philippine Coast Guard has carried out several dives on the wreck, which lies at a depth of about 50 metres, to recover the deceased. Following the disaster on 26 January, the entire fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines was issued a temporary sailing ban.

On 11 February, the Philippine authorities announced that the marine casualty investigation is now, among other paths, examining overloading as a possible cause of the sudden sinking, which some eyewitnesses say occurred as an abrupt capsize.