Authorities confirmed on Monday, February 17, 2026, that four additional bodies have been recovered from the site of the sunken MV Trisha Kerstin 3, further deepening the toll of one of the country’s deadliest recent maritime disasters.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), its technical diving team successfully retrieved the remains—two males and two females—during underwater search and recovery operations conducted earlier in the day.
With the latest recovery, the confirmed number of fatalities has climbed to 62, while 293 passengers have been rescued alive. Meanwhile, 17 individuals remain unaccounted for, prompting the continuation of intensive search and retrieval efforts.
Inter-Agency Validation
The PCG said the updated figures were consolidated through joint validation and coordination among multiple government agencies, including 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).
Officials added that families of victims are also closely coordinating with authorities and participating in daily briefings to ensure transparency and accuracy in the reporting of casualties.
“This validation process is essential to avoid misinformation and to provide families with reliable and verified updates,” the PCG said in a statement.
Identification Still Underway
Authorities disclosed that the identification of the newly recovered remains is still ongoing. Forensic examinations and documentation are being conducted by PNP-SOCO, but results have not yet been released.
The public and concerned families have been advised to remain patient and await official announcements.
“We understand the pain and anxiety of the families who are still waiting for news. Every recovered victim is handled with dignity and care,” officials said.
Dangerous Diving Conditions
Search and retrieval operations continue to face serious challenges due to harsh sea conditions. Strong waves, poor underwater visibility, and unstable debris around the wreck site have complicated the work of technical divers.
Despite these risks, PCG divers remain on full deployment.
“Diving operations are extremely dangerous under the current conditions, but our personnel are committed to finding the remaining victims,” the Coast Guard emphasized.
Rescue teams are using specialized equipment and conducting repeated dives whenever weather and sea conditions permit, balancing urgency with safety protocols.
Continuing Search for the Missing
Authorities reiterated their commitment to locate the 17 individuals who remain missing, stressing that operations will continue until all possible leads are exhausted.
Inter-agency teams are also coordinating with local governments, maritime experts, and volunteer groups to widen the search area and enhance recovery strategies.
Calls for Accountability and Safety Review
As the death toll continues to rise, calls are growing for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3. Lawmakers, maritime groups, and victims’ families have urged authorities to determine possible lapses in safety standards, vessel maintenance, and passenger management.
Maritime officials have assured the public that a full inquiry is underway and that those found responsible will be held accountable.
Support for Families
Government agencies and local officials have pledged continued assistance to bereaved families, including psychosocial support, legal aid, and financial assistance programs.
Counseling teams and social workers have also been deployed to help relatives cope with grief and trauma following the tragedy.
“This is not just a rescue operation—it is a humanitarian mission,” the PCG said. “Our priority is to bring closure to families and ensure justice and accountability.”
As recovery efforts continue, authorities vowed to provide regular updates and urged the public to rely only on verified information from official channels.