Metro Manila, Philippines – Divers recovered more bodies from the ill-fated M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, raising the death toll to 51 on Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
In a statement, the PCG said technical divers recovered the victims in waters off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan, in particular at the ferry’s first-deck economy accommodation area.
“The remains were immediately secured and are being transported to Zamboanga City Port for identification and proper disposition, in coordination with the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office,” the PCG said in a statement.
The divers resumed operations on Feb. 7 when weather and sea conditions improved after Tropical Storm Basyang (international name Penha).
A total of 316 people survived the sea tragedy around 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island in the early hours of Jan. 26.
The vessel bound for Jolo, Sulu left Zamboanga on the evening of Jan. 25.
The coast guard said the vessel was supposed to have 332 passengers and 27 crew members before departure, but belated reports stated that some passengers did not proceed. Relatives also said some of the missing were not part of the manifest.
The PCG and the Maritime Industry Authority are investigating the incident and possible liabilities of shipowner and operator Aleson Shipping Lines Inc., whose entire passenger fleet has been grounded pending investigation.
