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PCG: 4 more bodies found from MV Trisha Kirsten 3; death toll now at 62

Philippines | National

PCG: 4 more bodies found from MV Trisha Kirsten 3; death toll now at 62

By Martin Sadongdong

Authorities carry one of the four cadavers recovered from the wreck site of the sunken ferry MV Trisha Kirsten 3 off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan on Feb. 17, 2026. (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)

Authorities carry one of the four cadavers recovered from the wreck site of the sunken ferry MV Trisha Kirsten 3 off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan on Feb. 17, 2026. (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said its technical divers recovered four more bodies from the sunken ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 during underwater operations off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan on Tuesday, Feb. 17.

PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said this raised the death toll to 62.

Meanwhile, 17 individuals remain missing as search and rescue operations continue while 293 passengers survived the tragedy.

The agency emphasized that the numbers were based on daily coordination with interagency search and rescue authorities and the families of the victims.

MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank around on Jan 26 about 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island after departing Zamboanga City Port.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) suspended the fleet of the shipping lines and ordered an investigation into the incident.

It said the sinking may have been caused by overloading, which led to the filing of charges against several officials of the company, as well as personnel of the PCG and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) in Zamboanga City.

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PCG MV Trisha Kirsten 3 Basilan

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