The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has confirmed the possible location of the sunken passenger vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3 during ongoing dive operations off the waters of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan.
PCG Technical Diving Group Supervisor Commander Cheska Jamorol said the vessel was found lying in an east-to-west orientation relative to Baluk-Baluk Island.
Jamorol said technical divers were able to establish the ship’s position as search and recovery operations continued in the area.
Meanwhile, the joint search and rescue (SAR) team—composed of personnel from government agencies, local government units, and fisherfolk volunteers—recovered one cadaver from the site. The body was turned over for identification and proper disposition.
With the latest recovery, the official fatality count rose to 43, while the number of survivors remained at 316.
The PCG said search, retrieval, and underwater assessment operations are ongoing as authorities continue to account for missing passengers and determine the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the vessel.
