Sunken Basilan ferry death toll hits 57 as 3 more bodies found - PCG

MANILA, Philippines, February 16 ------ The fatalities after the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank in Basilan have reached 57 after personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered three more bodies during search operations. The PCG reported that the three bodies were found near the site of the incident on Sunday. “With this development, the total number of fatalities has increased to 57, with 293 survivors and 22 individuals remain missing,” the PCG said in a statement.

According to the PCG, technical divers continue underwater searches to locate the missing individuals. The agency also pledged support to the families of the victims. The search operations were launched after the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank on January 26, shortly after departing Zamboanga City for Jolo, Sulu. Over 300 passengers and crew were aboard the vessel.

The passenger ferry was operated by Aleson Shipping Lines, whose operations have since been grounded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Additionally, the DOTr ordered the filing of administrative cases against the owners of Aleson Shipping Lines, some of the crew of the passenger ship, six PCG personnel, and eight Maritime Industry Authority personnel for alleged “lack of competence and poor seamanship.”

Source: inquirer.net