The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday, February 14, 2026, commenced underwater operations at the site of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 maritime incident, resulting in the recovery of one male cadaver from the submerged wreck.
According to the PCG, the deployment of technical divers marked a critical phase in the ongoing search and retrieval mission, aimed at locating missing passengers and gathering vital evidence from the accident site.
With the latest recovery, authorities confirmed that the consolidated casualty figures now stand at:
- 54 fatalities
- 293 survivors
- 25 individuals still missing
The PCG clarified that these numbers were verified through joint validation efforts involving the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives (PNP-SOCO), the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), in coordination with the families of victims who maintain daily contact with interagency rescue teams.
“These figures are the result of continuous verification and coordination among government agencies and affected families to ensure accuracy and transparency,” the PCG said in a statement.
The underwater operation involves specialized divers trained to work in low-visibility and high-risk conditions, as the wreck lies in challenging marine terrain. Officials said the team is carefully examining compartments of the vessel and nearby seabed areas where victims may still be trapped.
Search and rescue authorities emphasized that operations remain ongoing, with additional personnel, equipment, and logistical support being deployed to speed up recovery efforts. Weather and sea conditions are also being closely monitored to ensure the safety of divers and responders.
Beyond the search mission, the PCG reiterated its commitment to assisting bereaved families and supporting investigations into the cause of the maritime disaster.
“The Philippine Coast Guard remains fully dedicated to locating the remaining missing persons and to supporting affected families in their pursuit of accountability and justice,” the agency said.
As recovery operations continue, families of the victims remain hopeful that their missing loved ones will soon be found, while authorities press on with efforts to determine responsibility and prevent similar tragedies in the future.