‘We (Hung Like) Spiderman,’ Survivor Recounts Sea Tragedy

Zamboanga City – Tragedy struck in seconds, some of the survivors said.

Rasulah Walahuddin, school principal of Kawmpang Elementary School in Patikul, Sulu, said he was on board the ill-fated MV Trisha Kerstin 3 as he traveling with teachers after attending a training seminar in this city.

“We were told to wear a life vest as the panic went on. I just waited for the boat to sink before I went out. It was just for a few seconds and the boat sank,” Walahuddin said, adding passengers got separated during the incident.

Jumineer Jikiri, 20, said he rushed to the side of the boat as it tilted.

“We (hung like) Spiderman on the tilted floor and escaped for our lives,” Jikiri said.

Some of the survivors were brought to Isabela City in Basilan, while most of the victims and recovered bodies were brought by Tubattaha to the Zamboanga City port for processing and assistance.

Trisha Kerstin 3, a passenger vessel, sank on Monday, Jan. 26, off the coast of Basilan, leaving 18 people dead and 24 others missing, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Authorities rescued 317 people after MV encountered trouble amid rough sea conditions.

Carrying 332 passengers and 27 crewmembers, the vessel reportedly sank after a truck on board tilted to its side.

Bound for Jolo, Sulu, Trisha Kerstin 3 departed on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 9:20 p.m. from this city’s port and sank on Monday at around 1:30 a.m.