The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday, February 4, confirmed the exact location of the sunken motor vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, found approximately 1.8 nautical miles off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan, as underwater assessment operations continue.

Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao Commander Commodore Rejard Marfe said PCG technical divers were able to safely enter the submerged vessel as part of the ongoing dive operations. The Technical Diving Group (TDG) positively identified the wreck after clearly reading the vessel’s name on its hull.

During the dive, two cadavers were recovered by TDG divers from the railings of the sunken ship. The remains were immediately brought to the surface for proper handling, identification, and coordination with local authorities.

With the latest recovery, the confirmed death toll from the maritime tragedy has risen to 45, while the number of survivors remains at 316 as search and retrieval efforts continue for those still missing.

Commodore Marfe said the dive operations are being conducted in accordance with an approved dive plan aimed at thoroughly assessing the vessel’s condition and supporting possible additional recovery efforts in the coming days.

The confirmation of the vessel’s exact resting point is expected to significantly aid search, retrieval, and investigative operations related to the maritime incident.

The PCG said it will continue to release updates as operations progress, while maintaining safety protocols for divers and responders working in challenging underwater conditions.