PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Rescue teams recovered three additional bodies from the waters off Basilan on Sunday morning, raising the confirmed death toll from the MV Trisha Kerstin ferry disaster to 40.
Details of the Recovery
The incident occurred in the early hours of January 26 when the vessel sank, leading to ongoing search efforts in the region. Local authorities report that the latest recoveries took place near Baluk-Baluk Island, where the bodies surfaced amid challenging sea conditions.
Official Statement
Hadji Muhtamad Municipal Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh confirmed the findings, noting that divers and boats from nearby areas assisted in retrieving the remains. “The bodies were spotted floating off Baluk-Baluk Island and quickly brought ashore for identification,” she stated during a briefing with response teams.
Search operations continue as officials coordinate with provincial emergency units to locate any remaining missing passengers. The tragedy has prompted calls for enhanced safety measures on regional waterways.
