ZAMBOANGA CITY — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) technical divers recovered five more bodies from the wreckage of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 on Tuesday, bringing the confirmed death toll to 51 in one of the country’s recent maritime disasters.

The specialized diving team descended approximately 180 feet to reach the sunken vessel’s first-deck economy accommodations off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan province.

Officials identified the area as a critical location where victims were suspected to be trapped after the ferry overturned on 25 January.

Commodore Rejard Marfe, commander of the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, said 316 survivors have been accounted for. Ten people remain missing, including the captain, eight crew members, and a safety marshal.

The recovery mission has been hampered by inconsistent passenger manifests, which Marfe suggested may point to overcrowding or unauthorized passengers.

“Our operations will continue unabated,” Marfe said, noting that teams must balance rigorous safety standards for divers with respect for the victims.

The bodies recovered Tuesday were secured aboard the BRP Melchora Aquino before being transferred to the BRP Capones for transport to the Zamboanga City Port.

On Monday, divers recovered the body of a male passenger at a depth of 187 feet.

The MV Trisha Kerstin 3, operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, was traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu, when it capsized.

Initial reports suggest a sudden squall may have triggered the incident, though investigators are also looking into reports that the vessel was carrying passengers far beyond its capacity.