The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has confirmed the location of the sunken passenger vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 during dive operations in the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan, on Tuesday, February 3.

PCG Technical Diving Group Supervisor Commander Cheska Jamorol reported that the vessel lies in an east-to-west orientation relative to the island.

This discovery is expected to guide recovery and salvage operations, providing critical data on the condition and positioning of the sunken ship.

A joint search and rescue (SAR) team, composed of government agencies, local government units, and volunteer fisherfolk, recovered one cadaver for identification and proper disposition. The operation continues amid challenging sea conditions, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by rescue personnel.

With this latest recovery, the official fatality count has risen to 43, while 316 passengers have been confirmed as survivors.

Authorities are coordinating with families of the victims and monitoring the situation closely as recovery and investigation efforts continue.