Death toll from Basilan ferry sinking rises to 40Coast Guard personnel recover three bodies off the coast of Basilan yesterday amid search and rescue operations following the sinking of Trisha Kerstin 3. MANILA, Philippines — Three more bodies were recovered in Basilan yesterday, raising the death toll in the sinking of the vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3 to 40, the Philippine Coast Guard confirmed. “Our fallen Coast Guard personnel will always be remembered for his selfless dedication and commitment to public service, exemplifying courage and professionalism in the line of duty,” PCG spokesperson Capt. Citing survivors’ accounts, Delos Santos said passengers were supposed to board another vessel last Jan. 25, not MV Trisha Kerstin 3. “The actions of our PRO-9 personnel during the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 tragedy exemplify the highest ideals of the Philippine National Police.

Source: Philippine Star February 02, 2026 05:13 UTC