The death toll from the sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan has climbed to 57 after three more bodies were recovered on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Technical divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) retrieved the bodies during underwater operations.

Based on data from the Basilan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the bodies recovered were those of a man and two women.

One of the women was wearing a striped terno shirt and pajamas with a brown sling bag. She was also wearing a life jacket when found.

Another woman was wearing green pajamas and a brown shirt with life jacket and a bag, while the man was wearing a blue coverall, safety shoes, and a watch.

The three have yet to be identified, as of this writing.

PCG said recorded 57 fatalities, 293 survivors, and 22 individuals remain missing, as of this writing.

“The PCG emphasizes that these figures are consolidated through the joint validation efforts of the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives (PNP-SOCO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, and the affected families who conduct daily coordination with interagency search and rescue authorities,” PCG said.

Meanwhile, the body of a soldier who was among those died in the tragedy was recovered on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The 11th Infantry Division (11ID) said witnesses told authorities that the Sergeant Windel Sabuyas chose to help others rather than secure his own safety.

He was reportedly last seen assisting an elderly woman and a child with their life vests.

11ID officials presented the Philippine flag and conferred the posthumous bronze cross medal to Sabuyas’ wife in recognition of his heroism.

Sabuyas’ remains lie at Camp Arturo Enrile, Malagutay, Zamboanga City.

Departure and arrival honors will be rendered during the transfer of his remains to Lasam, Cagayan, where full funeral honors will be conducted.