Basilan ferry wreck death toll at 62

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Philippine Coast Guard technical divers recovered four more bodies Tuesday from the sunken ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3, bringing the confirmed death toll from the disaster to 62.

The bodies of two women, a man, and a child were pulled from the wreckage near Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan province, according to Commodore Rejard Marfe, commander of the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao.

As of Wednesday, 293 people have been rescued, while 17 remain missing.

Divers from the Coast Guard’s Technical Diving Group began their descent at 7 a.m. Tuesday from the BRP Melchora Aquino, focusing on flooded compartments where passengers were believed to be trapped. The wreck lies fragmented on the seabed, with strong currents and debris fields complicating the mission.

“The recoveries highlight the human cost, but we remain steadfast in our duty to account for every soul,” Marfe said. He added that divers are following strict safety protocols after 16 days of “grueling” underwater operations.

The recovered remains were transported by inflatable boats to Zamboanga City for forensic identification by the Philippine National Police and local disaster officials.

To recall, the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, sank 26 January in the Sulu Sea while traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo.

The vessel was reportedly carrying an estimated 359 people — 332 passengers and 27 crew — which authorities say far exceeded its safe capacity. The ferry capsized rapidly after encountering severe weather.

While 316 people were initially saved, the ongoing investigation is focusing on potential negligence and overloading.

The tragedy has prompted calls from local officials in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for stricter enforcement of maritime safety regulations.

Search and recovery efforts continue as families gather at the Basilan provincial hall awaiting news of the 17 people still unaccounted for.