Death Toll Climbs to 42 in MV Trisha Kerstin 3 Maritime Tragedy
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported a sobering update in the aftermath of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sinking, with the confirmed death toll now standing at 42 individuals. This revised figure follows the recovery of additional bodies during ongoing joint search and rescue operations conducted by the PCG, local government units, and dedicated fisherfolk volunteers.
Latest Recoveries and Identification Efforts
On Monday, February 2, 2026, authorities retrieved two more bodies from the waters near Baluk-Baluk Island, bringing the total fatalities to 42. The Coast Guard vessel BRP Capones successfully recovered these remains, which will now undergo proper identification procedures and respectful disposition. This updated count represents a corrected tally achieved through meticulous coordination between the PCG and local disaster offices.
Commodore Rejard Marfe, commander of the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), clarified that the revised total includes a six-month-old baby girl whose body had been transferred to authorities earlier. The infant's remains were initially turned over to the Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) on January 26 before being moved to Zamboanga City for further processing.
Coordinated Response and Official Confirmation
The PCG, in collaboration with the PDRRMO and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), confirmed this final figure after conducting a comprehensive meeting to reconcile all reported recoveries from this devastating maritime incident. "The PCG extends its sincerest condolences to the families of the victims," the agency stated solemnly. "Coordination with concerned government agencies and local government units remains ongoing to ensure accurate reporting and the proper handling of all recovered remains."
Earlier recovery efforts had already yielded tragic results, with three bodies retrieved on Sunday, February 1, bringing the death count at that time to 40. Among these fatalities was Seaman First Class Alkhaizar Hadjail, a Coast Guard personnel who was onboard the vessel during the incident. PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab honored his memory, stating: "Our fallen Coast Guard personnel will always be remembered for their selfless dedication and commitment to public service, exemplifying courage and professionalism in the line of duty."
Victim Profiles and Survivor Count
The human toll of this tragedy became particularly poignant as authorities identified some of the victims recovered on January 31. These included:
- Dernalyn Muarip, a four-month pregnant woman
- Her grade school-aged daughter, Sharfa
- Reckmar Abtong, a former president of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) in Sulu, known throughout the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm)
Provincial officials and Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Kahing Nano confirmed these identifications, adding personal dimensions to the statistical tragedy. Meanwhile, the number of survivors from the incident remains steady at 316 individuals.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Concerns
In response to this maritime disaster, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has launched a thorough investigation into possible violations by Aleson Shipping Lines, the vessel's operator. Marina spokesperson Luisito delos Santos revealed that the agency is currently verifying survivors' claims that passengers were originally scheduled to board a different vessel on January 25, not the ill-fated MV Trisha Kerstin 3.
Delos Santos highlighted several concerning reports emerging from the investigation, including:
- Insufficient life vests available to passengers
- Safety equipment that was reportedly locked and inaccessible
- Questions about whether the number of functional life vests matched the vessel's authorized passenger limit
Authorities have emphasized that investigations into both the cause of the sinking and questions of accountability continue actively. The PCG maintains its commitment to supporting these inquiries while providing ongoing assistance to affected families and communities.
