ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday, January 26, 2026, clarified that the Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessel that sank off the coast of Basilan over the weekend was not overloaded, as search and rescue operations concluded with the successful rescue of 223 individuals.
The incident involved the MV Lady Mary Joy 3, which encountered mechanical failure and took on water while navigating the waters between Zamboanga and Sulu.
The Rescue Mission A massive joint operation involving the PCG, the Philippine Navy, and local fishermen was launched immediately after the vessel issued a distress signal on Sunday.
- The Numbers: The PCG confirmed that a total of 223 people, including passengers and crew members, were pulled from the water.
- Casualties: Despite the high number of survivors, authorities confirmed eight fatalities resulting from the tragedy. The victims reportedly succumbed to drowning or exposure during the initial chaos of the sinking.
- Accounting for Passengers: The PCG noted that the number of rescued individuals and casualties matched the vessel’s official manifest, leading to the conclusion that the ship was operating within its authorized capacity.
Initial Investigation Preliminary reports from the PCG District South Western Mindanao suggest that the vessel did not capsize due to weight issues, but rather due to a combination of engine failure and rough sea conditions.
- Engine Trouble: The ship reportedly lost power, leaving it at the mercy of strong currents and waves which eventually led to the hull taking on water.
- No Overloading: “Based on our cross-matching with the manifest and the actual number of people accounted for, there is no indication that the vessel was overloaded,” a PCG spokesperson stated. “The focus of the investigation will now shift to the mechanical integrity of the ship and its compliance with safety protocols during the voyage.”
Response and Assistance The survivors were brought to Zamboanga City and Isabela City, Basilan, where they received immediate medical attention and trauma counseling. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has also begun distributing financial assistance and food packs to the affected families.
Maritime Safety Review The tragedy has prompted renewed calls from Mindanao lawmakers for a stricter review of the seaworthiness of older vessels operating in the “nautical highway.” The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is expected to conduct a parallel probe to determine if there were lapses in the vessel’s maintenance or if it should have been permitted to sail given the prevailing weather conditions.