Three more bodies recovered from sunken MV Trisha Kerstin-3 off Basilan

Three more bodies were recovered inside Deck B Economy of the sunken M/V Trisha Kerstin-3 in the waters off Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, bringing renewed grief to families still searching for loved ones.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, of the 372 listed passengers, 293 survived, 57 were confirmed dead, and 22 remain missing. However, a group led by Atty. Aquino Sajili claims at least 28 are still unaccounted for, excluding eight recovered but unidentified bodies.

The vessel sank off southwestern Mindanao on 26 January, with authorities earlier saying the ferry may have been overloaded. Calls have also been made for the Philippine Navy to assist in search and retrieval operations, though officials say they need a formal directive to step in.

Search efforts continue.