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 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered five more bodies from the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan on Tuesday, raising the death toll from the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sinking to 51.
Four technical divers conducted focused operations at around 180 feet, concentrating on the ferry’s first-deck economy area where most passengers were located.
Recovered remains were brought to Zamboanga City Port for identification and proper handling, in coordination with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the PCG said.
So far, 316 passengers have survived the maritime incident.
The vessel departed Zamboanga City for Jolo, Sulu, on the evening of January 25 but capsized the next morning in Basilan waters.
Search and rescue teams have maintained continuous operations since the tragedy, overcoming difficult conditions to locate victims and secure the wreck.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident while extending support to the families of the deceased, missing, and rescued passengers.
