The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered two more bodies on Monday, February 2, during sustained search and rescue (SAR) operations in the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan, following the sinking of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 in the area.
In its latest report, the PCG announced that the confirmed death toll has climbed to 42, while 316 survivors have been accounted for. Moreover, a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) deployed from BRP Melchora Aquino first retrieved one cadaver and turned it over to BRP Capones at around 10:00 a.m. At approximately 10:28 a.m., one additional body was recovered near Mataha Island and likewise transferred to BRP Capones (MRRV-4404).
Authorities said the recovered remains were brought aboard BRP Capones for proper identification and handling, in close coordination with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), which is overseeing documentation and arrangements for the victims’ disposition.
The PCG continues to conduct maritime patrols and focused search patterns across the surrounding waters as part of the ongoing SAR mission, deploying sea assets and personnel to scour possible drift areas where more victims may be located.
The PCG assured that search efforts remain active as authorities work to locate any remaining missing passengers and provide assistance to affected families.
