The family of a cadet from Davao City who was among those aboard the ill-fated M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 that sank in Basilan waters on Monday, January 26, 2026, has appealed for help in locating him.

Cadet Dave Kyle Punsalang’s father, Jonathan, urged anyone who may have seen him or knows his whereabouts to contact the family.

“Ako po ay nanawagan sa lahat ng nakakita doon sa anak kong si Dave Kyle Punsalang, ibigay niyo po ang impormasyon dito sa account ko, or sa mismong anak kong si JP Punsalang. Makipag-coordinate po kayo doon kasi kailangan pong makuha ang anak ko. Sana ay matulungan niyo ako, parang awa niyo na. Parang awa niyo na, anak ko ‘yan, buhay ng anak ko ang nakasalalay ngayon,” the father said.

The cadet reportedly sent a message to their family group chat, asking for help as the vessel began to tilt. He sent the message at around 12:50 a.m.

Dave Kayle was on board the vessel as an on-duty cadet when the vessel bound for Jolo, Sulu from Zamboanga City sank near Baluk-Baluk Island at around 1 a.m.

According to his father, who is also a seafarer, he warned his son to be careful because the vessel was old.

“Sabi ko, mag-ingat ka nak, ha, kasi luma na ang barko na ‘yan. Mag-ingat ka, huwag mong ihiwalay diyan sayo ang life vest na ‘yan o life jacket,” Jonathan added.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that at least 18 people were confirmed dead, and 10 others remain missing, as of this writing, including eight crew members, among them Cadet Punsalang, the ship’s captain, and a PCG official serving as sea marshal.

Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gavan said they will also look into whether there were passengers who were not listed in the ship’s manifesto.