The death toll from the sunken M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 climbed to 31, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

In an update on Friday, January 30, the PCG announced that two more bodies were recovered in Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan, as the search and rescue (SAR) operations for the missing passengers of the capsized roll-on-roll-off (RoRo) vessel.

According to the agency, the remains would undergo a retrieval procedure led by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) once they reach Zamboanga City.

In the PCG’s latest data, there are 316 survivors and 31 casualties. Investigations are ongoing to verify the number of missing individuals. PCG Spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab announced that the agency has deployed the BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) to further intensify the SAR operations, in coordination with other government agencies, the local government, and fishermen.

“MRRV-9702 is equipped with modern communication systems, extended endurance, and onboard facilities that allow sustained operations, making it a vital asset in complex and prolonged search and rescue missions. Its presence further reinforces inter-unit coordination and ensures the continuous conduct of SAR activities despite challenging sea conditions,” the PCG said.

On Thursday, the PCG stated that 11 more bodies were recovered during the SAR operations.