Philippine Ferry Sinking: Death Toll Rises to 40 | Mariner News
The tragic Philippine ferry sinking incident has seen its confirmed death toll climb to 40, as more bodies were recovered near Basilan. The vessel, MV Trisha Kerstin 3, capsized on January 25, sparking a widespread maritime search and rescue operation. This devastating event has highlighted serious concerns regarding maritime safety and passenger manifests in the region.
Recovery Efforts Intensify
Three additional victims were recently located in waters near Baluk-Baluk Island and Lantawan Island. Among the deceased was Coast Guard Seaman Alkhaizar Hadjail, whose “selfless dedication” was honored by the Philippine Coast Guard. These recoveries bring the total confirmed fatalities to 40, a grim update for families awaiting news.
Passenger Count Discrepancies
Authorities now believe at least 356 people were aboard the ferry, exceeding the initially reported manifest. This discrepancy raises critical questions about potential “off-books” passengers, a known safety hazard in Southeast Asian maritime transport. Such practices can complicate rescue efforts and compromise vessel stability.
Investigation into Maritime Casualty
An intensive investigation by MARINA is actively underway to determine the cause of this severe maritime casualty. Early indicators point to “serious violations” by the operating company, which reportedly has a history of over 30 incidents, including two prior vessel losses. Ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations is paramount to prevent future tragedies.
