Rescue operations in the southern Philippines have recovered eleven additional victims from the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 ferry sinking, bringing the confirmed death toll to 29. The vessel capsized off the coast of Mindanao in the early hours of Monday, creating a significant maritime disaster that has now entered a critical investigation phase.
Coast guard officials confirmed the latest casualties were predominantly discovered near Baluk-Baluk Island, adjacent to the sinking location. Local fishermen assisted in the recovery efforts, with verified social media footage showing the harrowing retrieval of victims still wearing life preservers. The discoveries have complicated initial passenger estimates, creating confusion about the actual number of people aboard during the incident.
The Philippine Coast Guard has acknowledged discrepancies in the missing persons count. Captain Noemie Cayabyab, spokeswoman for the maritime agency, stated that while the official manifest indicated 10 missing individuals, including the ship’s captain and crew members, families have reported additional unaccounted passengers. This discrepancy has prompted authorities to expand their search and verification procedures.
Specialized dive teams from Manila have joined the recovery mission, deploying unmanned submersible equipment to locate the wreckage resting approximately 76 meters (250 feet) below the surface. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ maritime regulatory body has grounded all vessels operated by Aleson Shipping Lines pending a comprehensive safety investigation.
Survivor accounts describe chaotic scenes during the sinking, with passengers reportedly receiving no emergency alerts from crew members. Aquino Sajili, a 53-year-old attorney who survived the disaster, indicated potential legal action against the shipping company, citing negligence in safety protocols and emergency response procedures.