MV Trisha Kerstin 3 wreck death toll at 65

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) technical divers recovered the body of a crew member from the wreck of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 on Sunday, bringing the confirmed death toll from the January ferry disaster to 65.

The victim was identified as Rodolfo Cabilan Jr., an oiler from Tubigon, Bohol. Divers located his remains on the car deck of the sunken roll-on, roll-off vessel on Sunday morning. The body arrived in Zamboanga City later that afternoon for processing.

Commodore Rejard Marfe, commander of Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, said Cabilan was identified by his father, Rodolfo Cabilan Sr., who recognized his son’s equipment.

The elder Cabilan cited that his son had been working on the vessel for only 10 days when it sank on 26 January.

According to Marfe, the recovery process involves coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Forensic Group, the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and family representatives to ensure accuracy and transparency.

“Each recovery is validated... reflecting our commitment to transparency amid this tragic loss,” Marfe said.

The current casualty figures stand at 65 confirmed dead and 293 survivors. Authorities report that 14 individuals remain missing nearly a month after the maritime tragedy.

The recovery mission has faced significant challenges, including strong underwater currents and extensive debris fields within the ship. However, the Coast Guard’s Technical Diving Group has successfully mapped the hull, allowing divers to target specific flooded compartments.

Mayor Marlon Amila of Tubigon, Bohol, has ordered that immediate assistance be provided to Cabilan’s family. The victim’s father stated that the remains will be cremated and returned to their hometown in Bohol, in accordance with his son’s wishes.ZAMBOANGA CITY — Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) technical divers recovered the body of a crew member from the wreck of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 on Sunday, bringing the confirmed death toll from the January ferry disaster to 65.

The victim was identified as Rodolfo Cabilan Jr., an oiler from Tubigon, Bohol. Divers located his remains on the car deck of the sunken roll-on, roll-off vessel on Sunday morning. The body arrived in Zamboanga City later that afternoon for processing.

Commodore Rejard Marfe, commander of Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, said Cabilan was identified by his father, Rodolfo Cabilan Sr., who recognized his son’s equipment.

The elder Cabilan cited that his son had been working on the vessel for only 10 days when it sank on 26 January.

According to Marfe, the recovery process involves coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Forensic Group, the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and family representatives to ensure accuracy and transparency.

“Each recovery is validated... reflecting our commitment to transparency amid this tragic loss,” Marfe said.

The current casualty figures stand at 65 confirmed dead and 293 survivors. Authorities report that 14 individuals remain missing nearly a month after the maritime tragedy.

The recovery mission has faced significant challenges, including strong underwater currents and extensive debris fields within the ship. However, the Coast Guard’s Technical Diving Group has successfully mapped the hull, allowing divers to target specific flooded compartments.

Mayor Marlon Amila of Tubigon, Bohol, has ordered that immediate assistance be provided to Cabilan’s family. The victim’s father stated that the remains will be cremated and returned to their hometown in Bohol, in accordance with his son’s wishes.