THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) intensified its search and rescue operations following the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan, as 10 individuals — including the ship’s captain and a Coast Guard member — remain missing.
PCG cpokesman Cpt. Noemie Cayabyab said on Wednesday that the agency is conducting an extensive aerial and underwater search in coordination with national agencies, local government units (LGUs) and partner organizations.
“We are focusing all our resources on the aerial search and rescue operation with support from our partner agencies and LGUs,” Cayabyab said, noting that the operations are part of a “whole-of-nation approach” with assistance from the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Navy, the Philippine National Police and local governments.
The Coast Guard also deployed 19 technical wreck divers and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to access deeper parts of the sunken vessel, located about 76 meters (249 feet) below the surface near Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan.
The team, led by Coast Guard Commander Cheska Jamorol, is conducting underwater inspections in areas too risky for ordinary divers.
“This area is relatively deep. That is why only technical divers will be used. The ROV is modern equipment that allows us to check what is under the sea at the incident site,” Cayabyab explained. She added that the ROV provides critical visual data to guide search efforts and operational decisions.
The PCG has not set a timeline for the operation, describing the mission as “extremely dangerous.”
“The directive of the PCG Commandant [Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan] is until we find the missing individuals, we will continue the search. We are still in high hopes that we will find them alive and return them to their respective families,” she said.
As of Tuesday, 316 passengers had been rescued and 18 confirmed dead. Cayabyab noted that search operations often continue for days or even weeks, citing previous cases where survivors were found days after maritime accidents.
While the exact cause of the sinking remains under investigation, initial reports suggest that no gale warnings or major weather disturbances were present at the time. Localized rough seas and sudden squalls near Bukal-Bukal and Pilas Island may have contributed, though preliminary checks indicate the vessel was not overloaded. Cargo safety and stowage are still being reviewed.
The PCG also confirmed that the vessel was carrying 25,000 liters of diesel. Aerial surveillance detected a thin oil sheen at the site, but authorities said the diesel is expected to evaporate naturally. Oil spill booms and dispersants are on standby, though the PCG aims to minimize chemical intervention to preserve the local marine ecosystem, which supports nearby fishing communities.
Cayabyab said that, for now, the PCG is not seeking foreign assistance, confident that the combined efforts of national agencies, LGUs and volunteer organizations are sufficient.
MV Trisha Kerstin 3, operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, sank on Jan. 26 about 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan.
