Zamboanga city: The Philippine Coast Guard-Technical Diving Group (PCG-TDG) has successfully concluded a comprehensive underwater search of the sunken vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 after 27 days of demanding operations. The agency announced on Tuesday that re-swiping procedures will continue until Thursday to ensure thorough coverage of the area.
According to Philippines News Agency, Commodore Rejard Marfe, the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) commander, reported that technical divers have been working under challenging conditions. These included strong currents, near-zero visibility due to heavy siltation, submerged hazards, and the structural instability of the vessel since January 28. The divers have managed to recover 22 cadavers from different sections of the vessel.
The search systematically covered Decks A and B, the car deck including vehicles, and the engine room, which divers accessed despite oil contamination and debris. "While the entire vessel has now been searched, the PCG-TDG will continue diving operations until February 26, to conduct re-swiping procedures," Marfe stated. "This is to ensure that no area is left unchecked and to provide assurance to the families awaiting closure."
All diving operations have been meticulously documented through underwater video recordings to assist in the ongoing investigation. Marfe noted that underwater assessments indicated the vessel is listing to port, with both exposed sides of the hull and ramps remaining intact and no visible external fractures. On the car deck, partially collapsed vehicles leaning toward the left side created additional obstructions.
Data from the PCG indicate 65 fatalities, 293 survivors, and 14 individuals still missing. These figures have been compiled with the help of joint validation efforts from the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, CGDSWM, and the affected families.
The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, owned by Aleson Shipping Lines, sank on January 26 while traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu.
