Sunken Basilan ferry: 2 more bodies recovered as families mourn, survivors recall horror

ZAMBOANGA CITY  (February 5) Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) divers on Wednesday recovered two more bodies from the sunken passenger vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan, bringing the death toll from the tragedy to 45.

The ferry went down on January 26, about 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, while sailing from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu.

“The two bodies, both male, have now been transferred to BRP Tubbataha and will be transported to Zamboanga City,” said Commodore Rejard Marfe, commander of the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao.

Local authorities reported the cadavers were found inside the vessel, apparently hanging from railings, and are undergoing identification.

Survivors of the sinking recounted the chaotic moments when the vessel capsized. One passenger said waves and strong winds caused panic onboard:

“People were screaming, pushing to get out. I just grabbed my child and jumped into the water,” the survivor said.

Families in Basilan and Zamboanga City remain on edge, waiting for news of loved ones. Some have been camped at ports for days, hoping for updates.

The PCG Technical Diving Group confirmed Tuesday that the ferry lies in an east-to-west orientation near Baluk-Baluk Island. Search-and-recovery operations continue, with authorities urging relatives to coordinate closely with the Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) for assistance.

“We continue to coordinate all efforts to recover victims and provide support to families,” Marfe said.

Owned by Aleson Shipping Lines, the vessel has so far claimed 45 lives, making it one of the deadliest maritime accidents in the area in recent years. Officials are calling on passengers and shipping operators to follow safety protocols, especially during rough seas.

“We pray for the safe return of everyone still missing,” a relative of a passenger said. “This has changed our lives forever.”