PCG Technical Divers Resume Critical Operations on Sunken Vessel in Basilan
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has announced the resumption of diving operations targeting the sunken MV Trisha Kerstin 3, following significant improvements in weather and sea conditions near Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan province. This crucial operation, which resumed on Saturday, February 7, involves technical divers conducting meticulous safety assessments to ensure secure entry and exit from the ill-fated vessel.
Safety First: Preparatory Assessments Underway
Led by Commander Cheska Jamorol, the PCG technical diving team has initiated an external scan of the sunken MV Trisha Kerstin 3. This procedure is designed to carefully evaluate the vessel's current condition and identify potential entry points, serving as a critical preparatory step before any penetration dive is attempted. The PCG emphasized in an official statement that this assessment is paramount to guaranteeing diver safety throughout the operation.
The PCG has assured the public that all activities are being executed with the highest level of caution, strictly adhering to established safety protocols. This commitment underscores the agency's dedication to minimizing risks during what remains a challenging and hazardous maritime recovery effort.
Background on the Maritime Incident
The MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank on January 26, approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad. The vessel was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu, when the incident occurred. Subsequent investigations by the PCG located the sunken ship about 1.8 nautical miles off Baluk-Baluk Island, resting at a depth of 52 meters in an east-to-west orientation relative to the island.
As of February 7, the PCG reported that the casualty figures from the incident stand at 316 survivors and 45 fatalities. These statistics highlight the tragic scale of the event, driving the ongoing recovery and assessment operations in the region.
The resumption of diving operations marks a pivotal phase in the PCG's response, aiming to gather essential data and potentially recover additional evidence or remains from the sunken vessel. The improved conditions near Baluk-Baluk Island have provided a necessary window for these technical divers to proceed with their critical work, balancing urgency with unwavering safety standards.
