At least 52 people have died after the passenger-cargo ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 sank near Basilan province in the southern Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard said Tuesday, as rescue teams continue to search for any remaining victims.
A total of 316 survivors have been rescued.
Divers recovered one more body early Tuesday during search and rescue operations near Baluk-Baluk Island, bringing the total fatalities to 52, the PCG said, citing ongoing efforts by technical dive teams.
The vessel sank on the night of January 26, approximately one nautical mile from Basilan, with 332 passengers and 27 crew members on board. Authorities said technical issues were the likely cause of the sinking.
“At approximately 7 am, PCG technical divers commenced operations at the wreck site. Fifteen minutes later, the dive team recovered one female victim from the sunken vessel,” the Coast Guard said in a statement. The body was retrieved by the PCG ship BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and secured for proper handling.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, as authorities continue to account for all passengers and crew aboard the ferry.
