M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 death toll reaches 54 as another body found

The death toll in the sinking of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan rose to 54 after the body of another individual was recovered during underwater search operations on Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

"The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) technical divers commenced underwater operations today, February 14, 2026, in connection with the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 maritime incident. During the mission, one male cadaver was recovered from the wreck site," the PCG reported.

With this, there are 293 survivors but 25 individuals remain missing, the PCG added.

The PCG said that figures are consolidated through the joint validation efforts of the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives (PNP-SOCO), the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), and the affected families who conduct daily coordination with interagency search and rescue authorities.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has filed charges against three officers of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) in relation to the sinking of the ill-fated M/V Trisha Kerstin 3.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview on Friday, DOTr Assistant Secretary for the Maritime Sector Bong Plan said the three MARINA officers were directly involved with the issuance of safety certificates for the sunken vessel.

Six other personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were placed under preventive suspension as the PCG conducts separate investigations into the sinking and other possible violations.

He said the PCG promised to submit an investigation report next week. — VDV, GMA Integrated News