The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday announced that it has completed a full underwater search of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, which had sunk off the waters of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan in late January.

The high-risk technical wreck deep water diving operations lasted 27 days, concluding on Monday, February 23.

“Since January 28, 2026, PCG technical divers have worked through strong underwater currents, near-zero visibility due to heavy siltation, submerged hazards, and the vessel’s structural instability for the recovery of 22 cadavers from various sections,” Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) Commander, Commodore Rejard Marfe, said.

Marfe said that despite these conditions, the PCG’s Technical Diving Group (PCG-TDG) was able to systematically search Deck A, Deck B, the car deck—including the vehicles on board—and the engine room, despite oil contamination and scattered debris, which limited visibility.

Underwater assessments indicate that the vessel is leaning to the left or port side, Marfe said. Both exposed sides of the hull, including the ramps, are still intact and bear no signs of external fractures. On the car deck, the partly collapsed vehicles tilted toward the left side obstructed interior access, posing a challenge for the divers.

“While the entire vessel has now been searched, the PCG-TDG will continue diving operations until February 26, 2026, to conduct re-swiping procedures. This is to ensure that no area is left unchecked and to provide assurance to the families awaiting closure,” Marfe explained.

The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank on January 26. According to reports, the death toll has risen to 65 as of two days ago.