“Lahat ng gamit nila substandard.” – Basilan ferry survivor

A survivor of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 ferry, which sank in the waters off Basilan on January 26, shared a detailed account of the terrifying moments before the vessel went down.

Nur Sali shared his experience during a Committee on Public Services session today, February 12, that the ferry capsized and sank in less than a minute, leaving passengers struggling for their lives.

“Hawak na hawak ko ang kapatid ko ang sabi sa akin, 'Tol, huwag akong bitawan, iligtas mo ako,” he said.

Sali disputed claims that the vessel was overloaded, noting that he had observed the number of vehicles and passengers before boarding.

“Before ako sumakay ng barko. Nakita ko ang wing van nakatalikod sa barko, lima. Dalawang GMP truck, isa sa unahan, motor lima ang nasaksihan ko may sakay. Ang paglubog ng barko bumulusok, hindi umabot ng 1 minute,” he said.

According to Sali, the crew did not assist passengers in putting on life vests or managing panic.

“Kaming sarili namin ang nagsuot ng life vest. Ang life vest, kami pang naghanap kung saan nakalagay. Nakalagay sa cabinet. Sabi ko sa mga kasama kong passenger, nasa cabinet ang life vest,” he said, also noting that some passengers wore life vests, while others did not, and that many of the life vests were substandard, leading to more casualties.

“Lahat ng gamit nila puro substandard. Ang life vest is substandard. Maraming namatay na sakay ng life vest nila.”

“Kitang-kita ko, [nasa] life raft ako na substandard. Meron akong nakita [naka] life vest dala sa unahan ko, butas-butas siya.”

Sali recalled the chaotic moments as the ferry tilted sharply, almost 95 degrees, before plunging into the sea. Many passengers were trapped inside, while those in the front rows who managed to float were among the few survivors.

He also claimed that the ferry’s life rafts were primarily used by the crew, while passengers were left to await rescue.

Sali and other survivors were eventually rescued by a fast craft from Aleson Shipping.

“Lifeboat nila, puro crew ang nakasakay. Hindi ko kilala ang kapitan pero malamang buhay yon. Bakit? Ang nag-rescue sa amin [ay] fast craft ng Aleson.”

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, including the vessel’s load, safety equipment, and crew conduct, as families of victims seek accountability.