Davao Apprentice Among Latest Recovered as Basilan Sea Tragedy Death Toll Hits 57
The body of a 22-year-old apprentice from Davao City has been identified among the latest recoveries from the wreck of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, as the confirmed death toll in the Basilan sea tragedy rose to 57, according to authorities. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed the grim milestone as search and retrieval operations persist nearly three weeks after the vessel sank.
Victim Identified as Dave Kyle Punsalang
The PCG identified the victim as Dave Kyle Punsalang, whose remains were retrieved on February 15 from the wreck site off Baluk-Baluk Island. Authorities reported that Punsalang was still wearing his uniform and wristwatch when Coast Guard technical divers located him during sustained underwater search operations.
PCG spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab stated that three bodies were found in the vicinity waters off Baluk-Baluk Island as part of continuing dive efforts. "The Philippine Coast Guard technical divers recovered three cadavers during underwater operations in connection with the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 maritime incident," she said.
The three bodies were recovered at 11:27 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 11:52 a.m., and were subsequently transported aboard BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401) for transfer to Zamboanga City for proper disposition and identification.
Family Mourns Loss and Vows Justice
Punsalang's family publicly mourned his loss, with his sibling JP Punsalang vowing to seek justice for Kyle and the other victims. In a social media post, he declared, "Di ko muundang hangtod dili makuha ang hustisya (I won't stop until justice is served)," expressing the family's determination to pursue accountability.
The family described the young apprentice as a "hero" whose memory would endure. Their grief underscores the human toll of the maritime disaster that has affected numerous families across the region.
Timeline of the Tragedy
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of January 26, 2026. The ferry had departed Zamboanga City late on January 25, bound for Jolo, when it encountered trouble at sea. At around 1:50 a.m., the vessel reportedly sent out a distress signal before sinking approximately two to three nautical miles off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan.
Initial rescue operations were immediately launched by the Coast Guard, with support from other uniformed services and local responders, leading to the rescue of hundreds of passengers and crew in the first critical hours.
In the days that followed, search and retrieval efforts continued as divers worked to access sections of the submerged vessel. The fatality count steadily increased as more bodies were recovered from the wreck and surrounding waters.
Current Status and Ongoing Investigations
As of the latest consolidated report from the PCG, 293 passengers and crew members survived the incident, while 22 individuals remain missing as of February 16. Diving operations are set to continue as authorities attempt to locate the remaining missing persons.
Meanwhile, maritime investigators are pursuing a parallel probe into the circumstances surrounding the sinking, including:
- Vessel condition and maintenance records
- Compliance with safety regulations
- Weather conditions at the time of the incident
- Other possible contributing factors
Officials have yet to release a final determination on the cause of the disaster as families continue to await answers and justice. The PCG emphasized that both search operations and investigative efforts will proceed until all missing persons are accounted for and the causes of the tragedy are fully understood.
