Eighteen Killed in Philippines After Ferry Sinks

Sunken Ferry Background

Just a few days ago, on January 26th, 2026, a ferry by the name of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 had a distress call issued around 1:50 a.m. local time, approximately four hours after departing. Not long after the distress call, the ferry confirmed eighteen dead, while twenty-four remain missing, and the other three hundred have been rescued, according to a local coast guard. The ferry, which also doubled as a cargo vessel, was traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island; however, when complications occurred, it sank near the coast of Baluk-Baluk Island. 

Other Sunken Ferries

There have been other cases of ferries sinking in the inter-Philippine islands, a famous instance including the MV Doña Paz. This incident occurred in 1987 and killed over four thousand people in total after hitting an oil tanker. Many of these sinking incidents have been tied back to overloading of passengers and cargo; however, since they are known as an affordable option for transportation, they are still popular among Filipinos. 

Victims Interview

The MV Trisha Kerstin 3 ferry was carrying approximately 340 people or more, which far exceeded the number of people that could be safely transported. Survivors reported that the disaster struck when the ferry began to tilt during rough sea conditions, which ultimately caused the ferry to sink. Among other passengers, there is a counterclaim that the seas were calm when it sank. Claiming this point is Jun Guro, a lawyer, who stated in an interview, "I hope they investigate this, because we did not have bad weather. Why did it sink when there was no storm?” 

Rescuers Interview

While in a live interview, Noemie Cayabyab, a coastguard, states, “[b]ased on the account of some survivors, the waters in the area were rough at the time.” Rescuer Sheryl Balondo talks about how there have been hundreds of phone calls asking about people who are still missing. She later describes how it breaks her heart having to explain that they do not have a full list of names yet, as the retrieval process is still ongoing. There have been a variety of attempts in order to reach those still lost: coast guard boats, navy ships, air force helicopters, surveillance planes, and fishing boats.

What Has Been Posted

Various videos of this incident have been posted on Facebook, showing survivors in blankets on a rescue boat, people in the water wearing life jackets, as well as body bags being carried past. Moments before the ferry sank, Kyle Punsalang, who had recently graduated from the maritime academy, sent a text asking his brother for help; the text was also later shared on Facebook. Since the incident is still new, it is currently under investigation, and all facts might not be up to date.

Works Cited

“Ferry Sinking Kills 18, Leaves 10 Missing in South Philippines.” CNA, 2026, www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/southern-philippines-jolo-island-ferry-mv-trisha- kerstin-3-sinks-deaths-5882301. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Scott, Katie. “At Least 18 Dead after Ferry Carrying over 330 People Sinks in Philippines.” Global News, 26 Jan. 2026, globalnews.ca/news/11637856/philippines- ferry-capsizes-sinks-death-toll/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Simonette, Virma. Philippines: 18 Dead after Ferry Carrying 300 Passengers Sinks. 26 Jan. 2026, www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy1vpqpy23o.