The maritime tragedy involving the MV Trisha Kerstin-3 has taken a more somber turn as authorities have recovered five additional bodies from the sunken vessel, bringing the confirmed death toll to a staggering 51 individuals. This grim discovery was made during ongoing underwater search and recovery operations conducted by technical divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) near Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan.
Details of the Recovery Operation
According to official reports from the PCG, the five bodies were located in the economy accommodation area on the first deck of the ship. The recovered victims include an infant, a child, two adult women, and a teenager. Notably, the genders of the two minors have not yet been definitively determined, adding a layer of complexity to the identification process.
Forensic Processing and Family Assistance
The bodies are being transported from Zamboanga City to the Talabaan Cemetery, where they will undergo thorough forensic processing by experts. This step is crucial for accurate identification and providing closure to the grieving families.
Authorities are strongly advising families of missing victims to proceed to the Talabaan Cemetery to assist in the identification of the bodies. This collaborative effort is essential to ensure that each victim is properly accounted for and returned to their loved ones.
Background of the Maritime Disaster
It will be recalled that the MV Trisha Kerstin-3 sank in the early morning hours of January 26. The vessel was subsequently located in the waters near Baluk-Baluk Island last Tuesday, marking the beginning of the intensive search and recovery mission.
Despite the recent recoveries, the search and recovery operations by authorities continue unabated. Teams are diligently working to locate any possible remaining victims, underscoring the relentless commitment to resolving this heartbreaking incident.
The escalating death toll highlights the severe impact of this maritime disaster, which has left families devastated and communities in mourning. The Philippine Coast Guard remains at the forefront of these efforts, coordinating all aspects of the operation to ensure no stone is left unturned.
