The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is actively engaged in a challenging search-and-recovery operation at the site of the sunken ferry, Trisha Kerstin 3, which capsized off Basilan in late January. The confirmed death toll has now reached 65, prompting calls from Philippine leaders for accountability and potential prosecution of those responsible for the vessel’s ill-fated journey. Recently, divers recovered the body of crew member Rodolfo Cabilan Jr. in the wreckage, identified by his father through personal belongings.
Initial estimates regarding the number of individuals on board were inaccurate due to flaws in the passenger manifest. After thorough investigation, the PCG, alongside interagency partners, reported 293 survivors, 65 confirmed fatalities, and 14 individuals still unaccounted for, with families suggesting that the number of missing may be higher. The search efforts will persist as the PCG aims to explore all compartments of the vessel.
The investigation into the ferry’s sinking is progressing, leading to the dismissal of over a dozen public officials for permitting the operation of allegedly unseaworthy vessels. Senator Raffy Tulfo has called for murder charges against the operator, Aleson Shipping Lines, and the crew, citing reports of locked life vest compartments and claims that the ferry was overloaded and listing prior to departure.
