Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG): retrieved 11 bodies found by locals assisting in the search for missing passengers in the vicinity where Trisha Kerstin 3 sank off in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.
According to Philippines News Agency, the recovery of the 11 remains on Thursday morning has increased the death toll from the sunken vessel to 29, as 18 were recovered on the day of the incident. The remains were recovered three days after Trisha Kerstin 3 sank about 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk, Hadji Muhtamad at 1:50 a.m. on Jan. 26.
The vessel, carrying 317 passengers and 27 crew members, departed Zamboanga City at around 9:20 p.m. on Jan. 25 and was en route to Jolo, Sulu when it sank. It was operated by Aleson Shipping Lines (ASL), a locally owned shipping firm.
The PCG said that the bodies retrieved on Thursday by the BRP-Tubbataha include those of a child and a male crew member. Seven of the bodies are females. The remains will be taken to Isabela City for forensic examination prior to their transport to Zamboanga City.
On Wednesday, the PCG deployed a 19-person technical diving team equipped with a Remotely Operated Vehicle. The PCG said the divers are currently at the site of the incident.
The Department of Transportation has grounded the entire ASL passenger fleet for a full investigation into the incident.
