Death toll in ferry sinking off Basilan now 19 — OCD BAR

The reported fatalities in the sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry in Basilan waters have increased to 19, the Office of Civil Defense - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (OCD-BAR) said Tuesday.

"As of this reporting, a total of 19 individuals are reported dead (for validation)," the OCD-BAR said in its 7:30 p.m. report on Monday.

A total of 341 people were affected in the incident, according to OCD-BAR. Of which, 321 have been rescued and are staying in Zamboanga City, while two others are staying in Basilan.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in a press conference on Tuesday clarified that there were 344 people—317 passengers and 27 crew members—on board the ship when the incident happened.

Originally, 332 passengers were expected to board M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, but 15 did not proceed with their scheduled trip.

The vessel departed from Port of Zamboanga City on Sunday and was en route to Jolo, Sulu when it submerged in Basilan waters on Monday. As per earlier reports, 24 individuals remain missing.

Diving operations for the remaining missing persons are set to start on Wednesday, January 28, according to the PCG.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday said the entire fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines has been grounded following the sinking of its M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 ferry. — VDV, GMA Integrated News