The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has encountered significant challenges in its ongoing search and retrieval operations for the sunken MV Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan, with technical divers unable to access a key cabin due to strong underwater currents. On Thursday, February 12, divers were forced to abort their mission to the first-deck portside cabin as currents estimated at approximately three knots posed safety risks, highlighting the treacherous conditions faced in the aftermath of the January 26 maritime incident.
Revised Survivor and Fatality Figures Released
In a related development, the PCG has announced a revision in the total number of survivors from the sinking, adjusting it to 293 from the previously reported 314. This update follows a comprehensive two-week investigation into the tragedy, which occurred as the vessel was en route to Jolo, Sulu from Zamboanga City, approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan province.
Verification Process and Updated Statistics
Captain Noemie Cayabyab, PCG spokesperson, detailed that the revised figures are based on consolidated verification with affected families, the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives (PNP-Soco), and the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ZCDRRMO) as of Wednesday, February 11. "This revision reflects the verification of passenger identities, including survivors listed in the manifest, individuals who survived but were later confirmed not to have been listed, as well as declared and undeclared crew members," Cayabyab explained.
The number of confirmed fatalities has increased to 52, with the recovery of one female cadaver by the PCG Technical Diving Group at around 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11. "Most of the fatalities are passengers listed in the vessel’s manifest. However, six recovered bodies remain unidentified and have not yet been removed from the list of missing persons," Cayabyab noted. Currently, 27 individuals are classified as missing, based on ongoing PNP-Soco investigations and daily coordination with families, excluding the six unidentified bodies.
Reconciled Total and Ongoing Operations
The PCG has reconciled the total number of passengers and crew members on board MV Trisha Kerstin 3 to 372, comprising all confirmed survivors (293), fatalities (52), and missing individuals (27). In response to the diving challenges, the PCG stated that "in line with established dive safety protocols, the team shifted to a secondary target area, the vessel’s VIP accommodation section, where underwater conditions were safer and more manageable, but yielded negative results."
The PCG has committed to releasing further updates on the ongoing underwater operations and the comprehensive investigation into this maritime disaster, as efforts continue to navigate the difficult conditions and provide closure to affected families.
