11 more bodies recovered in search for missing M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 passengers

Eleven more bodies were recovered as locals and kin joined the search for missing passengers of the sunken motor vessel Trisha Kerstin 3 roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry in the waters off Basilan, Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh said Thursday.

According to a report by Jonathan Andal of GMA Integrated News, the bodies were found by residents, fishermen, relatives of the missing people, and the Philippine Coast Guard near Baluk-Baluk Island.

Nanoh added that some relatives had volunteered to join the search for their missing loved ones.

Citing the manifesto of the ill-fated vessel, the PCG said only 10 passengers were missing.

However, relatives of the missing people disagreed, saying that many passengers are still missing.

Shark sightings have added risk to the search for missing passengers.

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.

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.—Jamil Santos/AOL, GMA Integrated News