PCG confirms possible location of sunken M/V Trisha Kerstin 3; death toll rises to 43

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Tuesday that it has confirmed the possible location of the sunken roll-on/roll-off vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3, wherein 43 individuals died in the tragedy

The PCG said the vessel is “lying in an east-to-west orientation relative to Baluk-Baluk Island.”

“Moreover, the joint SAR team, composed of government agencies, local government units, and fisherfolk volunteers, recovered one cadaver for identification and proper disposition,” said PCG.

The PCG also reported that the number of deaths rose to 43 after one cadaver was recovered.

The number of survivors, on the other hand, remained at 316.

M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 on the evening of January 25 departed from Port of Zamboanga City for Jolo, Sulu but it submerged in Basilan waters on the morning of January 26.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier grounded the entire fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines as authorities conducted a maritime safety and inspection audit following the incident. — Vince Angelo Ferreras and Joviland Rita/BAP/AOL, GMA Integrated News