MV Trisha Kerstin 3 Sinking: Death Toll Climbs to 42 as Search Continues in Basilan
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has announced a tragic update in the aftermath of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 maritime disaster, with the fatality count now rising to 42 as two additional cadavers were recovered on Monday, February 2. The recovery occurred off Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan province, marking a somber development in the ongoing search and rescue (SAR) operations that have gripped the region since the vessel sank on January 26.
Details of the Recovery and Ongoing Operations
According to the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), the bodies were retrieved by BRP Capones (MRRV-4404) in coordination with the Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO). The cadavers have been taken for identification and proper disposition, as authorities work to provide closure to affected families. Meanwhile, the number of survivors remains steady at 316, including 32 soldiers from the Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion based in Luuk, Sulu, highlighting the diverse passenger list aboard the ill-fated vessel.
Despite these recoveries, the situation remains dire, with 27 passengers still reported missing, according to Police Captain Vandolf Valmoria of the Medico-Legal Office. Valmoria emphasized that this figure is based on reports submitted by families, underscoring the human toll of the tragedy. In response, the PCG is intensifying efforts, planning to deploy a sound navigation and ranging (sonar) device to pinpoint the exact location of the sunken vessel, as technical divers face significant challenges due to strong underwater currents.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Lawyer Ma. Zoie Goco, representing Aleson Shipping Lines, the operator of MV Trisha Kerstin 3, has pledged full cooperation with authorities in the investigation into the sinking. The vessel was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu, when it sank approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan. As technical divers conduct thorough underwater inspections to gather vital information and facilitate recovery operations, the PCG assures that all diving activities are being carried out with strict adherence to safety protocols and the latest procedures, prioritizing personnel well-being while maximizing mission effectiveness.
This incident underscores the ongoing risks in Philippine maritime travel and the critical role of coordinated disaster response efforts in mitigating such tragedies.
