Basilan: Divers from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered five more bodies during a search of the sunken M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 in waters off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PCG stated that these recoveries bring the total fatalities of the ferry sinking to 51, while the number of survivors remains at 316. The recovered remains were immediately secured and are being transported to Zamboanga City Port for identification and proper disposition, in coordination with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The operation commenced at 6 a.m., beginning with a pre-dive briefing to review safety measures, operational objectives, and dive parameters for the PCG Technical Diving Group (TDG). Four technical divers conducted the search, rescue, and dive operations at a depth of about 180 feet, focusing on M/V Trisha Kerstin 3's first-deck economy accommodation area.

The PCG emphasized that it continues its underwater operations, prioritizing diver safety, operational discipline, and respect for the victims and their families. On the previous day, PCG divers had recovered one body during dive operations at the site of the sunken ferry. This body was also discovered in the vessel's accommodation area and was transferred to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for identification and handover to the family of the deceased.