Philippines Ferry Disaster: 52 Dead, More Than 300 Rescued
Search Continues Near Basilan as Divers Recover Victims
Philippine, Feb 11 : At least 52 people have lost their lives after the passenger-cargo ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 sank near Basilan province in the southern Philippines, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Tuesday. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate any remaining victims.
So far, 316 passengers have been rescued safely. Divers recovered an additional body early Tuesday near Baluk-Baluk Island, raising the total fatalities to 52. Technical dive teams continue to work at the wreck site to account for all passengers and crew.
The ferry went down on the night of January 26, around one nautical mile from Basilan, carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members. Authorities have cited technical issues aboard the vessel as the probable cause of the disaster.
“Around 7 am, PCG technical divers began operations at the wreck, and within fifteen minutes, a female victim was retrieved by the PCG ship BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) and secured for proper handling,” the Coast Guard stated.
Search and rescue efforts remain in full swing as authorities work to ensure the safety and recovery of all aboard the sunken ferry.
