Four survivors of the sunken MV Trisha Kerstin pointed to alleged overcrowding as a key factor in the vessel’s sinking off Basilan province, according to statements made at the office of Sen. Raffy Tulfo.
The survivors sought assistance and shared their accounts with the senator. One of them, Nur Hussein Sali, said he already felt the vessel was heavy and appeared overloaded even before departure.
Sali said he saw seven wing vans loaded onto the ship, along with a motorcycle and a private vehicle. He believed the cargo exceeded the vessel’s capacity.
He also claimed the bunk beds were already full of passengers, while others were standing around the vessel. Some of those passengers, he said, did not appear to be on the official manifest.
Sali added that the ship’s condition seemed neglected. He cited restrooms that were no longer in proper condition and walls that appeared heavily rusted, which he said could collapse due to corrosion. Other survivors reportedly agreed with his observations.
Following the statements, Tulfo said the allegations would not be ignored. He said the matter would be taken up in a hearing to determine accountability and identify those responsible for the incident.
Authorities have yet to release their official findings on the cause of the sinking. Investigations are expected to examine claims of overcrowding, vessel condition and compliance with maritime safety regulations.
