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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCG: Death toll from sunken MV Trisha Kirsten 3 rises to 54

PCG: Death toll from sunken MV Trisha Kirsten 3 rises to 54

Published Feb 15, 2026 10:10 am  |  Updated Feb 15, 2026 01:39 pm
(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the death toll in the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 has climbed to 54 after technical divers recovered one body from the wreck site off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan on Saturday, Feb. 14.
PCG technical divers commenced underwater operations in connection with the incident earlier in the day and during the mission, one male cadaver was recovered from the wreck site.
Aside from 54 fatalities, the PCG said 25 persons remained missing while 293 others were rescued.
The PCG stressed that the casualty figures were verified through joint validation with the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives (PNP-SOCO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), and the affected families who conduct daily coordination with interagency search and rescue authorities.
The PCG said it remains focused on the search for the missing. It also vowed continued support for grieving families.
“The PCG remains fully committed to locating the remaining missing persons and to supporting the affected families in their pursuit of accountability and justice,” PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab.
MV Trisha Kerstin 3, operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, departed from Zamboanga City Port bound for Jolo, Sulu when it sank on Jan 26 about 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island.
Initial investigation showed that heavy waves entered the vessel’s lower deck, causing the ship to tilt before it eventually sank.
The PCG later raised concerns about possible overloading, citing potential safety deficiencies as factors.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) suspended the operations of all passenger vessels under Aleson Shipping Lines as a full safety review of the company was ordered, resulting in the filing of charges against the company’s officials, as well as personnel of the PCG and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) in Zamboanga City due to alleged safety violations.

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PCG MV Trisha Kerstin 3 Basilan search and rescue Baluk-Baluk Island
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