Sharks add risk to M/V Trisha Kerstin rescue operations

Shark sightings have added risks to the search for missing passengers of the sunken motor vessel Trisha Kerstin in the waters off Basilan.

According to Jonathan Andal’s Wednesday report on “24 Oras,” 19 technical divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) arrived in Zamboanga City early Wednesday to search for the 10 missing passengers.

They brought specialized diving equipment from Manila, including a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with 300 meters of cable—enough to cover the estimated 76-meter sea depth near Balok-Balok Island.

While sharks have been spotted, the PCG said the waters are not infested, though caution remains necessary. The agency has also extended its search area and coordinated with coastal communities and barangays in hopes that survivors may have drifted to safer zones.

A PCG investigating team from Manila has arrived to determine the cause of the incident, while the Philippine Navy remains on standby to assist in search and rescue operations.

According to the latest PCG report, there are 316 survivors, 18 recovered bodies, and 10 missing individuals, all crew members including the vessel’s captain and one PCG personnel.

Families at Zamboanga City Port, however, said some passengers remain unaccounted for, including six school administrators from the Department of Education in Sulu.

With the entire passenger fleet of Allison Shipping Lines—the owner of the sunken ferry—grounded, travel to Sulu and nearby destinations has been disrupted. Long queues have been observed at ticket offices for trips to Zamboanga City.

Some stranded travelers in Isabela City, Basilan have resorted to using small motorized boats, or jungkong, to reach their destinations. Many of these boats lack proper life vests and outriggers, and fares have been reported as overpriced.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) reminded operators that fares cannot be raised arbitrarily and said it will issue special permits to other shipping lines to accommodate affected passengers. The Coast Guard is also awaiting MARINA approval to provide free transportation.

Technical divers are expected to begin underwater search operations on Thursday, depending on the findings of the ROV.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/MCG, GMA Integrated News