MV Trisha Kerstin 3 Sinking: Death Toll Climbs to 42 in Basilan Maritime Tragedy
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reported a grim update in the aftermath of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sinking, with the fatality count now reaching 42 as of Monday, February 2, 2026. This tragic maritime incident, which occurred on January 26 off the coast of Basilan province, continues to unfold as recovery efforts persist in the waters near Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad.
Recovery Operations and Updated Casualty Figures
According to official reports from the PCG, the vessel BRP Capones successfully retrieved two additional cadavers from the sea on Monday. These bodies are currently undergoing identification and proper disposition procedures to ensure accurate records. This latest recovery follows the discovery of three more bodies on Sunday, February 1, which had initially raised the death toll to 40.
The updated total of 42 fatalities includes a six-month-old baby girl, whose remains were handed over to the Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) on January 26, prior to being transported to Zamboanga City. Commodore Rejard Marfe, commander of the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), emphasized that this revised count reflects coordinated efforts to reconcile all reports from the disaster.
Coordination Among Authorities
In a concerted effort to finalize the casualty numbers, the PCG, PDRRMO, and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) held a meeting to harmonize all recovery data from the sea tragedy. This coordination has led to a corrected and official tally, ensuring transparency and accuracy in the aftermath of the sinking.
Among the confirmed fatalities is Seaman First Class Alkhaizar Hadjail, a Coast Guard personnel who was aboard the ill-fated passenger vessel. His death underscores the risks faced by rescue and maritime safety officials in such disasters.
Survivor Count and Ongoing Impact
Despite the rising death toll, the number of survivors remains steady at 316, as previously reported. The incident has drawn significant attention to maritime safety protocols and disaster response in the region, highlighting the need for enhanced measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As recovery operations continue, authorities are focused on providing support to affected families and conducting thorough investigations into the causes of the sinking. The community in Basilan and surrounding areas mourns the loss of lives, while rescue teams work diligently to bring closure to this devastating event.
