Philippines shipwreck death toll rises to 62 as search continues

2026-02-18 - 07:32

The death toll from the January 25 sinking of passenger vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 in the Philippines has risen to 62, the Philippine Coast Guard announced Tuesday following recovery of four more bodies. The updated figures show 293 passengers survived the maritime disaster, while 17 individuals remain unaccounted for as search operations continue in waters off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan province. Vessel's Final Voyage The ill-fated ferry departed Zamboanga Port in Mindanao around 10 pm local time January 24, heading for Jolo Island in Sulu province when it encountered distress approximately four hours into its journey. The vessel issued a distress signal at 1:50 am January 25 before sinking in waters off Basilan. The exact cause of the sinking remains under investigation. Maritime Safety Concerns The Philippines, an archipelago comprising more than 7,000 islands, has experienced numerous deadly ferry accidents throughout its history, with incidents frequently attributed to vessel overcrowding and inconsistent enforcement of maritime safety regulations. The ongoing search operation reflects the country's continued struggle with maritime safety challenges as authorities work to locate remaining missing passengers and determine factors contributing to the latest tragedy.