MV Trisha Kerstin 3 death toll at 57

Zamboanga City — Technical divers recovered three more bodies from the wreck of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 on Sunday, bringing the confirmed death toll to 57 as harrowing stories of both heroism and negligence continue to emerge.

The Philippine Coast Guard said the remains were found in the Economy Deck B section of the vessel, which lies at a depth of more than 50 meters off Baluk-Baluk Island. Of the 372 listed passengers, 293 survived and 22 remain missing, though some victim advocates claim the number of unaccounted individuals is higher.

Among the dead recovered was Army Staff Sgt. Windel Sabuyas Jr. of the 21st Infantry Battalion. Witnesses told military officials that Sabuyas was last seen helping an elderly passenger and a child into life vests as the ship began its rapid tilt.

“His legacy echoes in survivor tales,” said Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Brigade. Sabuyas was posthumously awarded the Bronze Cross Medal for his bravery. His body was identified by his military ID and handgun found in a clutch bag.

To recall, the ferry sank 26 January amid allegations of overloading and mechanical negligence. Survivors described a chaotic scene where the vessel began leaning even before departing.

“It was already leaning in port before departure; the crew ignored warnings,” survivor Fatima Sweenee Sajili said. Other survivors reported a lack of life jackets and described passengers rushing to one side of the ship in a desperate, failed attempt to counterbalance the tilt.