M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 death toll rises to 51 — PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has recovered five more bodies off the waters of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan on Tuesday, raising the death toll from the sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 to 51.

Four PCG technical divers conducted search, rescue, and dive operations at a depth of about 180 feet, focusing on the vessel’s first-deck economy accommodation area.

“The remains were immediately secured and are being transported to Zamboanga City Port for identification and proper disposition, in coordination with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office,” the PCG said in a statement.

The number of survivors from the maritime tragedy remains at 316.

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