The death toll from the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 has climbed to 51 after divers recovered five more bodies in the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), members of the PCG Technical Diving Group conducted search and retrieval operations on the sunken vessel at a depth of about 180 feet, focusing on the ship’s first-deck economy area.

Prior to the underwater operations, the technical divers held a pre-dive briefing around 6 a.m. to review safety measures, operational objects, and dive parameters for the mission.

PCG said the five bodies retrieved during the operation were secured and transported to Zamboanga City Port for identification, in coordination with the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

On Monday, February 9, divers recovered another body at the accommodation area of the sunken vessel at a depth of approximately 187 feet.

PCG said underwater operations will continue, prioritizing divers’ safety, operational discipline, and respect for the victims and their families.

As of Tuesday morning, PCG has recorded 51 fatalities and 316 survivors.