The total number of fatalities from the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 shipwreck has risen to 54 after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered one more male cadaver from the wreck site on Saturday, February 14.

According to the PCG, 293 passengers have survived, while 25 remain missing.

The latest recovery came after technical divers conducted another underwater operation as part of the ongoing search and rescue (SAR) efforts for the vessel that sank off the waters of Basilan.

On Wednesday, February 11, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to file administrative cases against Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc., the owner of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank on January 26 while traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu.

Lopez revealed that preliminary investigations found indications of “overcapacity or overloading” at the time of the incident.

Survivors also reported that life jackets on board were damaged and stored in a locked cabinet, limiting accessibility during the emergency.

The PCG, meanwhile, assured the public that search operations for the missing passengers will continue in the waters surrounding Basilan.

The agency also emphasized that the reported figures have been consolidated through joint validation by the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives (PNP-SOCO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), and the families of the affected passengers, who maintain daily coordination with interagency SAR authorities.

The PCG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the families of the victims in seeking justice for the tragedy.