PCG: Three more bodies recovered from MV Trisha Kerstin 3; death toll hits 57
(Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)
The death toll in the sinking of ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 climbed to 57 after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered three more bodies on Sunday, Feb. 15.
Captain Noemie Cayabyab, PCG spokesperson, said coast guard technical divers found the cadavers during underwater operations in the vicinity waters off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan.
“The Philippine Coast Guard technical divers recovered three cadavers during underwater operations in connection with the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 maritime incident,” she said.
Aside from the fatalities, authorities said 22 persons remained missing while the survivor count stood at 293.
The PCG stressed that the figures were verified through consolidated data from 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.
Search and retrieval operations continue in the area as families await updates on the missing passengers.
MV Trisha Kerstin 3, operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, sank about 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan after departing Zamboanga City Port on Jan. 26.