In January 2024, the Philippines experienced three significant maritime accidents that highlighted ongoing concerns about the country’s maritime safety record. Despite government assurances of improved regulation and oversight, these incidents raised serious questions about the effectiveness of existing safety measures and the preparedness of authorities to respond to emergencies.
The first accident occurred on January 18, when the motor banca Amejara capsized in rough seas in the Davao Gulf. The boat, carrying 15 to 16 passengers, was reportedly en route from Davao City to Governor Generoso. Only one crew member, who spent nearly two days floating in the ocean, survived. Subsequent searches revealed five bodies believed to be among those missing from the voyage.
The second incident took place on January 22, involving the MV Devon Bay, a Singaporean-flagged bulk carrier with an all-Filipino crew of 21. The ship sank near Scarborough Shoal after encountering rough seas, which caused a dangerous condition known as cargo liquefaction. While two crew members were confirmed dead, 15 were rescued, and four remained missing. Notably, the quick response from China Coast Guard vessels exemplified effective international cooperation for maritime search and rescue.
The third accident happened on January 26, when the passenger ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 sank off Baluk-Baluk island in Basilan. The ferry had at least 360 people on board and was heading from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu. After issuing a distress call early in the morning, rescue efforts reported 317 survivors, 18 confirmed dead, and at least 24 missing. Conflicting accounts surfaced regarding the ferry’s load capacity, with suggestions that it may have been carrying more passengers than the manifest indicated, including many children.
Survivors criticized the Philippine Coast Guard’s rescue response, stating it took over three hours to arrive, even though the ferry was in sight of land. Initial reports cited rough seas as a contributing factor to the sinking; however, survivors insisted that conditions were calm at the time. Concerns were also raised about the crew’s actions during the emergency, with allegations that no alarm was sounded, leaving passengers to fend for themselves as the ship went down.
The Trisha Kerstin 3 is owned by Aleson Shipping Lines, a company previously linked to another tragic accident in 2023, when a fire on the Lady Joy 3 led to the deaths of 31 passengers. This history represents a troubling pattern of maritime safety issues within the Philippines.
Given the severity and frequency of these incidents, calls for thorough investigations by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) are pressing. Authorities must determine the root causes of these accidents and implement measures aimed at preventing future tragedies. The recent accidents underscore the urgent need for systemic improvements in maritime safety protocols to protect lives at sea.
