The Department of Transportation (DOTr) told the Senate Thursday that the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 exceeded its authorized passenger and cargo limits before sinking on January 26, leaving at least 52 dead.
Transportation Assistant Secretary Manuel Cabochan III said the vessel’s authorized capacity was 352 passengers plus 24 to 27 crew members.
“As of (Wednesday), there were 293 survivors, 52 cadavers recovered and 24 are missing,” he reported, noting inconsistencies in the passenger manifest.
Cabochan also cited cargo overloading, saying some rolling cargoes bypassed weighing procedures, leading to lash failures and destabilizing the vessel.
“Naputol yung lashes, we believe, causing possible shifting ng rolling cargoes. Kaya yung stability ng vessel ay nagka-problema,” he explained.
The DOTr flagged pre-departure safety lapses and vowed sanctions against Aleson Shipping Lines, including grounding its vessels and filing administrative or legal cases.
Senator Raffy Tulfo criticized the focus on administrative penalties, insisting criminal liability must be pursued.
“Administrative lang? Walang criminal? Hindi ako papayag,” he said, pointing to the vessel’s 31-year age and the company’s record of 32 maritime incidents.
Cabochan confirmed the DOTr is evaluating evidence for possible criminal complaints as the investigation continues.