5 more bodies retrieved from Trisha Kerstin 3

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, February 11 ------ Technical divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered five more bodies from the wreckage of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank in the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.

The latest recovery brought the number of confirmed fatalities to 51, with 316 survivors. The PCG said four technical divers resumed the search operation, focusing on the vessel’s economy class section on the first deck. The divers reported that among the bodies recovered were those of two children, two women and a man, who were all found at the port side of the economy class section.

The remains were refloated and retrieved by members of the PCG on board the BRP Melchora Aquino. On Monday, the diving team entered for the first time the vessel’s bridge section and recovered a male body. The fatalities were brought to Zamboanga City for identification by the police forensics unit, in coordination with the city risk reduction and management office. The PCG said the underwater operation prioritizes divers’ safety, operational discipline and respect for victims and their families.

Source: philstar.com