MANILA – Senator Idol Raffy Tulfo described the MV Tricia Kirsten as a “floating coffin” as he raised concerns over the fatal maritime incident involving the vessel near Pilas Island, Basilan.

Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, discussed the incident during a committee hearing on January 28. The tragedy occurred on Monday, January 26, leaving 18 people dead while 10 others remain missing.

During the hearing, Tulfo questioned the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on how the incident happened and pointed to what he said was the agency’s lack of prompt action. He stressed that suspending operations is insufficient and that accountability must be established.

Reports cited during the hearing showed that Aleson Shipping Lines, the owner of the RO-RO vessel MV Tricia Kirsten, has been involved in 32 maritime incidents since 2019, with no one prosecuted or held liable.

“Ibig sabihin, ang mga barko nito ay considered bilang floating coffins. Bakit pinayagan pang pumalaot? Bakit hindi muna ni-review ang mga barko at siniguro na seaworthy?” Tulfo said.

Initial investigations indicated that the loosening of ropes securing the cargo may have caused the vessel to lose balance.

Tulfo said such a tragedy must never happen again and called on MARINA and the Philippine Coast Guard to implement stronger policies to ensure that all sea vessels are seaworthy before being allowed to sail.

The senator also recalled previous random port inspections he conducted, where he observed several safety deficiencies, including the lack of standard life vests, X-ray machines to prevent smuggling at ports, K9 units, body-worn cameras, and other essential safety measures.

MARINA, for its part, admitted to personnel shortages, saying it is currently tasked with monitoring an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 sea vessels nationwide.

Tuldo directed MARINA to submit a comprehensive report to the committee on all shipping lines involved in maritime accidents, including information on whether any individuals have been charged or held accountable.