February 7, 2026 — Philippines
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has resumed diving and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations for the ill-fated MV Trisha Kerstin 3 today following a brief pause due to adverse weather conditions. The resumption comes as seas and weather in the area showed significant improvement, allowing technical divers to safely return to the site.
Leading the renewed operation, PCG Technical Divers, under the supervision of Commander Cheska Jamorol, conducted an initial external scanning of the submerged vessel. This assessment is a critical safety procedure aimed at carefully evaluating the vessel’s structural integrity and identifying safe points of entry before any penetration dive is attempted. Commander Jamorol emphasized that these measures are crucial to ensure the safety of rescue personnel while maximizing the chances of locating additional survivors or retrieving victims.
“The safety of our divers is paramount,” said Commander Jamorol. “Every operation follows strict safety protocols. We are conducting careful assessments to ensure that our teams can safely carry out the mission while continuing to search for any remaining survivors or recover the victims.”
As of the latest report, the official number of survivors remains at 316, while the confirmed death toll stands at 45. Authorities continue to provide medical and humanitarian assistance to the rescued passengers, many of whom suffered from exposure, injuries, and trauma from the incident.
The tragedy of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 has sparked renewed attention to maritime safety in the Philippines, highlighting the challenges faced by seafarers and the critical role of prompt and coordinated emergency response. The PCG has reiterated its commitment to continue rescue operations until all passengers are accounted for.
Families of the missing and rescued continue to wait anxiously at designated rescue centers, receiving updates from PCG personnel on ongoing operations. The agency has assured the public that rescue and recovery efforts will continue diligently as long as conditions allow.
Authorities are also coordinating with local government units and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, aiming to identify factors that led to the vessel’s sinking and prevent future maritime tragedies.
As the PCG pushes forward with its careful diving and SAR operations, the nation watches closely, hoping for more lives to be saved from the ill-fated vessel.