Aleson Shipping Lines' fleet grounded after Basilan RoRo sinking

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January 27, 2026 | 1:00pm

MANILA, Philippines — The operations of Aleson Shipping Lines has been suspended following the sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which left at least 18 people dead, including a 6-month-old baby.

The Aleson's MV Trisha Kerstin 3 was en route to Jolo, Sulu when it sank in the waters off Basilan. Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Tuesday, January 27, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a full-blown investigation into the tragedy.

At a press briefing, Lopez said the probe will be led by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina). Pending the investigation, Aleson Shipping Lines is not allowed to operate passenger vessels.

"We are grounding the entire passenger fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines," Lopez said.

Probe and safety record. The PCG and Marina have 15 days to investigate the company. The probe will include an audit of Aleson's safety record and personnel.

Whether Aleson will be allowed to resume operations will depend on the agencies' findings, Lopez said.

Aleson Shipping Lines has been involved in at least 32 maritime incidents since 2019, Lopez added.

The DOTr did not elaborate on the nature of these incidents, but Lopez noted that the company had also been linked to a previous major sea tragedy.

In 2023, the MV Lady Mary Joy 3—another Aleson vessel—caught fire while en route to Jolo, Sulu.

Assistance to victims. Lopez said Aleson has been directed to streamline insurance processes and provide financial assistance to the victims of the latest incident.