Basilan: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has dispatched 19 technical divers to aid in the search for 10 missing passengers of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank near Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan. The ship sank on Monday, resulting in the rescue of 316 individuals and the confirmation of 18 fatalities.
According to Philippines News Agency, the divers are under the leadership of PCG Commander Cheska Jamorol. Among the missing are eight crew members, the ship's captain, and a PCG sea marshal who was aboard during the incident. Jamorol noted that sharks in the area pose a potential challenge for the divers, alongside the risk of exhaustion. She assured that divers will be adequately rested before each dive.
CGDSWM commander Commodore Rejard Marfe stated that there is no set timeline for the dive or the investigation but emphasized the importance of making full use of favorable weather and sea conditions. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has mandated a swift, efficient, and effective response to resolve the situation.
The PCG is employing additional resources, including a remotely operated vehicle, to assist in the search efforts in the waters off Basilan.
