At least 11 bodies believed to be among those on board the vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank off Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan, were found on Thursday, January 29, 2026, according to Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh.

Fishermen and several relatives of the missing passengers helped in the search operation.

The latest recovery will bring the total number of bodies found to 29, after 18 bodies were recovered earlier hours after the vessel sank.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said earlier only 10 individuals remain missing – eight crew members, the ship’s captain, and a PCG personnel – based on the passenger manifesto.

However, several families of missing passengers insisted that the number of missing passengers is more than 10.

Data released by the Sulu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) showed that as of January 28, a total of 49 individuals are still missing, 31 of whom are listed in the ship’s manifesto while 18 were not included.

PCG deployed a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) evening on Wednesday to spot the exact location of the sunken vessel. The ROV is capable of transmitting live underwater footage and entering the ship’s compartments.

However, authorities said the vessel was not located during the operation, despite the ROV reaching the seabed at a depth of about 50 meters.

According to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Aleson Shipping Lines has been involved in 32 maritime incidents since 2019.

“Kadalasan po na mga aksidente na kinakasangkutan po ng Aleson Shipping ay ang engine trouble/engine failure, allision, collision, ramming, agrounding, steel failure, hydraulic malfunction, tilting, man overboard, fire onboard, at tsaka singking,” MARINA Spokesperson and Enforcement Service Director, Lui De Los Santos, said.

MARINA added that several deficiencies found in Aleson vessels were rectifiable, but there were instances when safety certificates were suspended. Show cause orders were also issued in the past with penalties imposed, including the revocation of licenses of some crew members.

Authorities said the company’s franchise may be canceled if violations are proven.

For passengers affected, authorities said requirements for insurance claims will be expedited.

“Ang polisiya po natin ay sinasaad po na ang mga survivors ay entitled to P50,000 po na financial compensation. So, ang Aleson naman po, nagbigay na din sila ng mga paunang mga tulong sa ating survivors. At ang mga namatayan naman po, ang mga heirs, entitled po sila ng P200,000 per death,” De Los Santos added.