Death Toll Climbs to 51 in MV Trisha Kirsten 3 Maritime Tragedy
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has confirmed a grim update in the aftermath of the MV Trisha Kirsten 3 sinking, with the death toll now rising to 51 after the recovery of six additional bodies. According to Capt. Noemie Cayabyab, five of these victims were found in the first-deck economy area, while one was located in the accommodation section of the vessel.
Ongoing Search Efforts Amidst Adversity
Despite facing severe challenges, including strong currents and the unstable, tilted position of the ship, search and dive operations continue unabated. The remains have been transferred to Zamboanga City Port for identification purposes, as authorities work tirelessly to account for all passengers and crew.
Currently, 316 individuals have been rescued and are safe, but the exact number of those still missing remains uncertain, adding to the urgency of the mission.
Technical Setbacks and Investigative Measures
In a related development, the remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which played a crucial role in marking the ship's location, is currently undergoing repairs. This temporary setback has not halted the broader investigative efforts.
The PCG is actively exploring the possibility that a hole in the vessel may have contributed to the sinking. Concurrently, the entire fleet of Aleson Shipping has been ordered to suspend operations by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) pending the outcome of a thorough investigation into the incident.
This maritime disaster has drawn significant attention to safety protocols and emergency response in the region, with ongoing updates expected as the situation evolves.
