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MV Trisha Kerstin crew hailed as hero for helping passengers

Philippines | Mindanao

MV Trisha Kerstin crew hailed as hero for helping passengers

By Liza Jocson

PUNSALANG

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A crew of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 was hailed as hero for helping passengers when the ship sank in Basilan last month.

The body of Dave Kyle Punsalang, 22, was recovered by Philippine Coast Guard divers on Sunday, Feb. 15.

Punsalang’s body was one of three recovered from the wreckage of the ill-fated vessel and brought to the Zamboanga City seaport. The other two were female.

Punsalang, a young apprentice, caught attention when his brother’s post appealing to the public for his whereabouts went viral on social media.

The sailor’s appeal for help to his family also went viral as a testament to what happened to the ship prior to its sinking.

“Me tagilid among barko. Tabang! (Our ship is tilting. Help)” was his last message to his family.

Punsalang was lauded as a hero as survivors said that he was one of the crew members who assisted passengers by distributing life jackets and waking up fellow crew members as the boat began listing.

Fifty-eight bodies have been recovered from the ill-fated ship. Another body was found on Monday, Feb. 16. There are 293 survivors.

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MV Trisha Kerstin 3

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