BALUK-BALUK ISLAND, Basilan — Grief once again gripped families, rescuers, and the nation after technical divers from the Philippine Coast Guard recovered another body from the depths of the sea on February 16, 2026, in the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island.
The latest recovery brought the confirmed death toll from the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 tragedy to 58, with 293 survivors and 21 passengers still missing. For many families who have waited in anguish for more than two weeks, the news reopened wounds that had never truly healed.
Authorities said the body was found at around 2:34 p.m. during an underwater search conducted in hazardous conditions. The victim, a male wearing a green shirt and denim pants, was immediately retrieved and processed for identification.
The figures, according to the Coast Guard, were consolidated through joint validation by the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, and families who continue to coordinate daily with search and rescue teams.
A Son, a Crewman, a Hero
Among those whose story deeply moved the nation was Kyle Dave Punsalang, a young cadet and crew member whose final moments reflected courage, duty, and love for his family.
Kyle’s remains were recovered earlier, on February 15, after nearly 20 days of continuous search and retrieval operations. His family personally identified him through his clothing and personal belongings — a heartbreaking confirmation that ended weeks of painful waiting.
Kyle became a trending figure on social media after his final written message to his family surfaced online. As the vessel began to tilt and take in water, he sent a short but desperate plea:
“Tumagilid ang barko namin, tulong.”
The message, filled with fear and urgency, captured the terror faced by those aboard and the helplessness of a young seafarer confronting his final moments at sea.
“He Put Others First”
Colleagues and friends remembered Kyle as a responsible, disciplined, and compassionate crew member who took pride in his work.
As a trained cadet, he was expected to follow emergency protocols. However, accounts from fellow crew members and early reports suggest that Kyle went beyond his duties. He reportedly helped guide passengers toward safety, assisted vulnerable individuals, and remained at his post as panic spread throughout the vessel.
“He stayed even when he could have escaped,” a colleague said. “He chose to help others first.”
That decision, many believe, cost him his life — and transformed him into a symbol of selfless service amid chaos.
Love and Loss Collide
Among those most affected by Kyle’s passing was his girlfriend, Karyll Kim Pore, who shared a heartbreaking message online.
“He was the most excited about my oathtaking. After 20 days of searching, his body surfaced on the day of my oathtaking.”
What should have been a moment of celebration became a day of mourning — a painful reminder of how tragedy can abruptly shatter dreams.
Pain That Grows With Every Recovery
For families still searching for their loved ones, each recovery brings mixed emotions — relief that someone has been found, and sorrow as hope slowly fades for others.
“With every body retrieved, the pain becomes heavier,” said a relative of one missing passenger. “But we need answers. We need closure.”
Despite exhaustion and danger, Coast Guard divers continue to plunge into murky, debris-filled waters, driven by their commitment to bring every possible victim home.
A Nation in Mourning, A Call for Accountability
As investigations into the sinking continue, families and netizens are calling for accountability and stronger maritime safety measures to prevent similar disasters.
Prayer vigils, online tributes, and messages of sympathy have poured in for Kyle and the other victims. Many have hailed him as a “hero of the seas,” a young man who embodied dedication until his final breath.
His mother, in a brief statement, said through tears: “My son did not think only of himself. He thought of others. That is how I will always remember him.”
Hope Amid Heartbreak
Authorities have vowed to continue search and retrieval operations until all possible leads are exhausted.
For now, the waters of Basilan remain heavy with sorrow and memory — of lives lost, families broken, and a young seaman whose last message still echoes in the nation’s heart.
As the country mourns its 58th victim, the story of Kyle Dave Punsalang stands as a powerful reminder of the human cost of tragedy — and of the quiet heroism that emerges in the darkest moments.