Zamboanga City — The death toll from the sinking of passenger vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3 has risen to 36 after authorities recovered three more bodies during continuing search and rescue (SAR) operations, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Friday, January 31, 2026.
According to the PCG, two cadavers were retrieved at around 1:42 a.m. near Baluk-Baluk Island and Mataja Island by a joint SAR team composed of government agencies, local government units, and volunteer fishermen. A third body was later recovered at approximately 2:00 p.m. by Coast Guard rescue personnel.
The remains are set to be transported to Zamboanga City for proper identification, documentation, and disposition in coordination with concerned authorities and the victims’ families.
As of the latest official count, 316 passengers have been rescued alive following the maritime tragedy, while search operations continue for possible remaining missing persons. The PCG emphasized that SAR efforts remain in full force, with assets deployed across identified search areas despite challenging sea conditions.
Authorities assured the public that regular updates will be released as operations progress, while investigations into the cause of the vessel’s sinking are expected to follow once rescue efforts are concluded.
The MV Trisha Kerstin 3 incident stands as one of the deadliest recent maritime accidents in the region, prompting renewed calls for stricter enforcement of maritime safety regulations and vessel seaworthiness checks.