PCG teams moved the remains of ferry victims from Basilan to Zamboanga City on Friday as the reported death toll rose to 42. Photo courtesy of Hadji Muhtamad Municipal Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh.
The number of confirmed deaths from the sinking of the passenger vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan rose to 43 after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered another victim on Tuesday.
Authorities said the latest body was retrieved during underwater operations near Baluk-Baluk Island, where the sunken ferry’s location was earlier pinpointed.
The Technical Diving Group of the Coast Guard reported that the vessel was lying on the seabed in an east-to-west alignment relative to the island.
The Aleson Shipping Lines ferry capsized on January 26 while traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu, after sending a distress signal.
Hundreds of passengers and crew were on board when the vessel sank, with the Coast Guard confirming that 316 people survived the incident.
Rescue and recovery operations continued on Tuesday, involving PCG divers, local government units, other government agencies, and volunteer fishermen assisting in the effort.
The Coast Guard said updates on the ongoing operations would be issued as new developments occur.
