Cebu Seaman Legal Assistance for Maritime Accidents & Disability Benefits

29/01/2026

🟥SUBJECT: POSSIBLE REASONS WHY MV DEVON BAY CAPSIZED — AN OPINION

This is only a personal take—not an official finding—but based on similar bulk carrier casualties, a combination of cargo and stability issues is the most likely root cause of the capsizing of the MV Devon Bay, reported earlier to have been carrying iron ore as per Philippine Coast Guard however, its last port of call was related to a nickel ore mining facility in Southern Philippines.

My top suspects 👇

⚠This is my number one suspect. Cargo shift / liquefaction risk. Nickel ore cargoes are notorious. If moisture content exceeded TML, the cargo could’ve behaved like a fluid, suddenly shifting and creating a severe list that’s almost impossible to recover from.

⚠Progressive flooding– A ballast tank, hold crack, or sea chest issue could’ve introduced water, reducing GM and worsening stability as the voyage progressed.

⚠Ballast mismanagement under stress – In heavy weather or after an initial list, incorrect or rushed ballasting can actually accelerate capsize instead of correcting it.

⚠Heavy weather as a trigger, not the cause – Weather alone rarely sinks a bulk carrier, but it often exposes hidden weaknesses (cargo condition, structural fatigue, loading errors).

My view is that this was not a sudden “freak” event, but a progressive stability failure where early warning signs (increasing list, sluggish roll recovery) may have appeared before the capsize.

I’m curious though 👀 — what’s your theory?

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On January 23, 2026, the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier M/V Devon Bay, reported earlier to have been loaded with iron ore as per Philippine Coast Guard however, its last port of call was related to a nickel ore mining facility in Southern Philippines and crewed by 21 Filipino seafarers, developed a heavy list and ultimately capsized and sank in the South China Sea near the disputed Scarborough Shoal while en route from the Philippines to China. Distress calls prompted search and rescue operations by both the China Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard, resulting in the rescue of most of the crew, but at least two sailors lost their lives, and several remain missing as efforts continue.

The image posted is for illustration only and does not depict the actual event.

SOURCES:
1. DZBB https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1A6t4hepsj/

2. https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/accidents/rescue-operation-underway-for-crew-of-capsized-bulker-off-philippines

3. https://www.marinetraffic.com/ru/maritime-news/14/accidents/2026/12644/bulk-carrier-devon-bay-sinks-in-south-china-sea-two-crew-dea?fbclid=IwY2xjawPhD2pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJUnRkR2FrRzZXZ2hJMjdtc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjmS5joc0wxVB_NJJtPxEncSap3gOu8sx1qyn5YPwdmZ1fmfFmG9eZNT5cp2_aem_6QycYazUsMHuRx32caLEdg

29/01/2026

DOTr Grounds Entire Aleson Shipping Fleet After MV Trisha Kerstin 3 Sinking

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the immediate grounding of the entire fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines following the sinking of its roll-on/roll-off ferry M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 in the waters off Basilan.

“Ngayon i-announce din namin, now we are grounding the entire passenger fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines,” DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said at a press conference.

The transport agency said the directive is intended to prioritize passenger safety and allow authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. All Aleson vessels will undergo inspections and compliance checks before any possible return to service.

29/01/2026

Aleson Shipping Linked to 32 Maritime Incidents from 2019 to 2026 | MARINO PH

Data available from 2019 to 2026 show that Aleson Shipping Lines has been involved in a total of 32 recorded maritime incidents over the seven-year period.

The figure resurfaced following the latest maritime incident involving the sinking of the passenger vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3 off the coast of Basilan in the early hours of January 26, 2026. The vessel was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu when it encountered distress and eventually sank.

Rescue operations were immediately launched by the Philippine Coast Guard, local government units, and volunteer responders. Many passengers were rescued, while casualties and missing persons were reported as search and recovery operations continue.

Following the incident, authorities ordered heightened safety checks and initiated investigations to determine the cause of the sinking and assess compliance with maritime safety regulations.

Photo courtesy to the rightful owner

29/01/2026

Always Remember, Beautiful things take time.

29/01/2026

No matter how emotional their story is, don’t touch your savings.

That money is not just money.
It is the result of your life onboard ship—
the sacrifices you made at sea,
the months away from home,
the isolation inside steel walls,
the long watches, shifting schedules,
and the dangers that come with working offshore.

That money carries every hardship you endured onboard—
rough seas, fatigue, pressure,
moments where safety, health, and even life were at risk.
While others slept comfortably, you were standing watch.
While others celebrated, you were sailing.

Iyan ang pinaghirapan mo bilang seafarer.
Iyan ang ipon mula sa pawis, puyat, at panganib sa barko.
Iyan ang tinabi mo para sa sarili mo, para sa pamilya mo,
in case life hits you when you least expect it.

Helping is good. Kindness is honorable.
But help from what is extra, not from what was earned through danger and sacrifice.

Because you cannot save others
if you end up needing to save yourself after everything you survived onboard ship.

22/09/2024

22/09/2024

Ensure that you get WORK PERMITS before undertaking hazardous tasks to guarantee your rights, safety, and protection.

Siguraduhing kumuha ng WORK PERMIT bago magsagawa ng mapanganib na gawain upang matiyak ang iyong mga karapatan, kaligtasan, at proteksyon.

Feel free to message us.

Ship's work permits are official documents or forms used in the maritime industry to ensure the safety of crew members and the proper management of potentially hazardous tasks on board a ship. These permits are typically required for specific types of work that pose significant risks, such as:

1. Hot Work Permit: Required for tasks involving open flames, sparks, or other sources of ignition, such as welding or cutting. This ensures that fire safety measures are in place before the work begins.

2. Confined Space Entry Permit: Required before entering confined spaces, such as tanks or voids, where there might be risks of asphyxiation, toxic gas exposure, or entrapment. The permit ensures that proper ventilation, gas testing, and rescue arrangements are in place.

3. Electrical Work Permit: Required for electrical maintenance or repair tasks to ensure that circuits are de-energized and locked out, preventing electrical shocks or fires.

4. Working Aloft Permit: Required when work needs to be done at heights, such as on masts or rigging. This ensures the use of safety harnesses, fall protection, and proper communication.

5. Cold Work Permit: Used for tasks that do not involve ignition sources but still pose other risks, such as working with chemicals or in hazardous environments.

6. Enclosed Space Entry Permit: Similar to the confined space entry permit but specifically tailored to enclosed spaces, which may have limited oxygen or hazardous gases.

These work permits are part of a ship's safety management system and help to mitigate risks by requiring that safety procedures are followed, that the area is made safe, and that proper supervision is in place before the work begins. The permits must be signed by authorized personnel, often the ship's officer in charge of safety or the master of the vessel.
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Why is Crucial?

Work permits are crucial onboard ships because they ensure safety and regulatory compliance by requiring the careful planning and control of potentially hazardous tasks. They facilitate clear communication, risk management, and coordination among the crew, reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, work permits provide essential documentation for accountability and emergency preparedness, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken before work begins, ultimately maintaining a safe and efficient working environment.

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Sample:

WORKING ALOFT PERMIT
Vessel Name:MV MARINO PH
Permit No.:001/2024

Date:August 8, 2024
Time Issued: 08:00 Hrs
Location of Work: Main Mast, Forward Section

Details of Work to be Performed:
Inspection and maintenance of navigation lights on the main mast.

Personnel Involved:
- Worker: [AR BOLIVAR]
Position: Able-Bodied Seaman (AB)

- Supervisor: [COFF BELGIRA]
Position: Chief Officer

Safety Precautions Taken:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety harness, helmet, gloves, and safety boots.
- Tools and Equipment Checked:All tools secured with lanyards to prevent falling.
- Communication: Two-way radio communication established with bridge.
- Weather Conditions:Clear skies, wind speed within safe working limits.
- Area Secured:Safety net rigged below the work area, warning signs placed.
- Additional Precautions:Lifeline attached to safety harness, standby crew on alert for emergency assistance.

Risk Assessment:
- Fall from height (mitigated by safety harness and lifeline).
- Tools or equipment falling (mitigated by securing all items with lanyards).
- Sudden change in weather (mitigated by constant monitoring of weather conditions).

Duration of Work:
Start Time: 08:30 Hrs
Estimated Completion Time: 10:00 Hrs

Authorization:
By signing below, the Chief Officer certifies that all safety measures are in place and that the work can proceed.

Chief Officer’s Signature: ___________________________
Date: August 8, 2024

Worker's Acknowledgment:
By signing below, the Able-Bodied Seaman confirms understanding of the risks and safety measures associated with the work.

AB Seaman's Signature: ___________________________
Date: August 8, 2024

Completion of Work:
Work Completed: Yes / No
Completion Time: __________ Hrs

Post-Work Inspection:
The area has been inspected and declared safe after the completion of work.

Chief Officer’s Signature: ___________________________
Date: August 8, 2024

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Ps:

Always follow your Safety Management System (SMS) as it ensures that all operations onboard are performed safely and in full compliance with regulatory standards. By adhering to the SMS, you guarantee that every task is executed with a focus on minimizing risks, protecting the crew, and maintaining the integrity of the vessel. This commitment to following the SMS fosters consistent safety practices, clear communication, and proper documentation, all of which are crucial for upholding the highest standards of maritime safety and operational efficiency.