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PCG recovers 3 more cadavers, death toll in Basilan ferry sinking now at 40

Philippines | National

PCG recovers 3 more cadavers, death toll in Basilan ferry sinking now at 40

By Aaron Recuenco

Survivors are assisted by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel after a RORO vessel carrying more than 300 individuals sank off Basilan on Jan. 26, 2026, killing at least 15 people. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

Survivors are assisted by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel after a RORO vessel carrying more than 300 individuals sank off Basilan on Jan. 26, 2026, killing at least 15 people. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

Search and rescue teams recovered three more cadavers amid the continuing operations to account for all the missing passengers of the sunken M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Sunday, Feb 1.

In a statement, the PCG said two of the cadavers were recovered from Baluk-Baluk Island and the other cadaver from Lantawan Island.

The recovery of the three more cadavers brought to 40 the total number of fatalities in the sea tragedy that happened off the waters of Basilan.

The passenger vessel departed from the Port of Zamboanga City on Jan. 25 and was on its way to Jolo, Sulu.

The PCG also reported 316 survivors.

The PCG said the three recovered bodies will be taken to Zamboanga City for identification.

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