Three more bodies from the sunken ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 have been recovered near Basilan, raising the confirmed death toll to 40, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The remains were located near Baluk-Baluk Island and Lantawan Island, close to where the ferry capsized. Among the deceased is Coast Guard Seaman Alkhaizar Hadjail, honored for his dedication and commitment to public service.
The total number of confirmed survivors and fatalities suggests that at least 356 individuals were aboard the ferry, exceeding the initial passenger and crew manifest. This discrepancy raises concerns about potential unregistered passengers, a common issue in Southeast Asia, which can lead to safety hazards. The Trisha Kerstin 3 departed Zamboanga City on January 25, heading to Jolo, Sulu, before capsizing around 1:50 AM on Monday. While 316 individuals were rescued, the number of confirmed deaths has continued to rise throughout the week.
An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident. Early indications from the maritime agency MARINA suggest “serious violations” by the operating company, which has a history of over 30 incidents, including the loss of two other vessels in the same area. Allegations have emerged that the ferry may have been switched for the voyage, and some survivors reported a lack of life vests, with locked storage compartments being a significant concern. All vessels operated by the company have been grounded pending inspections.
