The death toll from the sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 has risen to 40 after three more bodies were recovered in the waters off Basilan on Sunday, February 1.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said two of the bodies were found near Baluk-Baluk Island, while another was recovered close to Lantawan Island. The cadavers were initially discovered by the Hadji Muhtamad local government and Bantay Dagat members, and later retrieved by Coast Guard personnel.

Among the latest fatalities was Coast Guard Seaman First Class Alkhaizar Hadjail, whose identity was confirmed through established procedures and in coordination with his family. Hadjail was onboard the vessel as he was reportedly on his way to report for duty in Jolo, Sulu. According to his sister, survivors said he was last seen wearing a life vest but was not wearing one when his body was found, prompting speculation that he may have given it to another passenger.

The recovered bodies were brought to Zamboanga City for identification and proper disposition.

The roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry departed from Zamboanga City on January 25 and was en route to Jolo when it sank in the early morning of January 26 in Basilan waters.

From the initial count of 19 fatalities, 11 bodies were recovered on Thursday, four on Friday, three on Saturday, and three on Sunday. The PCG clarified that the 40 deaths include a six-month-old female infant who was earlier turned over to the Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office before being transferred to Zamboanga City.

The number of survivors remains at 316.

Provincial authorities said 33 of the fatalities have so far been identified, including Dernalyn Muarip, who was four months pregnant, her grade school daughter Sharfa, and NGO member Reckmar Abtong, a former president of Junior Chamber International in Sulu.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said it is investigating claims from survivors that there were not enough life vests on board and that some were allegedly kept under lock and key. MARINA is also verifying reports that MV Trisha Kerstin 3 was a replacement vessel and not the original ship intended for the January 25 voyage.

MARINA warned that if these allegations are proven, the shipping company could face major violations.