PCG Technical Divers Recover Two Bodies from Sunken Vessel in Basilan Waters
In a significant development in the ongoing maritime tragedy, technical divers from the Philippine Coast Guard have successfully recovered two bodies from the interior of the sunken M/V Trisha Kerstin 3. The operation took place early on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, marking a crucial breakthrough in the recovery efforts.
Breakthrough Dive Operation at 52-Meter Depth
The challenging recovery mission unfolded approximately 52 meters deep in the waters near Baluk-Baluk Island, within the municipality of Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan province. Commodore Rejard Marfe, commander of the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, confirmed the successful operation, stating that technical divers managed to access the vessel during the morning hours.
"The technical drivers were able to enter the vessel this morning, resulting in the recovery of two bodies," Marfe announced in an official statement. The two deceased individuals, both identified as male, have been carefully transferred to BRP Tubbataha for transportation to Zamboanga City, where further procedures will be conducted.
Tragic Sinking Incident and Ongoing Investigation
The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 met its unfortunate fate on January 26, 2026, sinking approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island. At the time of the maritime disaster, the vessel was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu, operated by the local Aleson Shipping Lines company.
According to Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Nanoh, who shared updates on her social media platform, the two recovered bodies were allegedly found hanging from the railings inside the ill-fated vessel, painting a grim picture of the final moments aboard the sinking ship.
Timeline of Recovery Operations
The Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office provided specific timing details, noting that the two cadavers were successfully recovered at approximately 10:33 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4. This recovery followed confirmation of the vessel's location during dive operations conducted the previous day, Tuesday, February 3.
Commander Cheska Jamorol, PCG Technical Diving Group Supervisor, reported that the sunken vessel lies in an east-to-west orientation relative to Baluk-Baluk Island, providing crucial information for ongoing search and recovery efforts.
Rising Death Toll and Identification Procedures
With the recovery of these two additional victims, the official death toll from the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sinking has now increased to 45 individuals. The Basilan PDRRMO emphasized that both recovered bodies remain unidentified at this time and will undergo proper identification procedures to determine their identities and notify their families.
This tragic maritime incident continues to unfold as authorities work diligently to recover all victims and investigate the circumstances surrounding the vessel's sinking in the challenging waters off Basilan province.
