Nineteen technical wreck divers and a Remote Operated Vehicle from the Philippine Coast Guard have begun search operations for the 10 missing passengers of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan. The vessel sank on January 26, resulting in 18 deaths and 316 survivors. Senator Raffy Tulfo condemned maritime regulators for negligence.
On January 29, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) initiated underwater search operations using 19 technical wreck divers and a Remote Operated Vehicle for the 10 missing passengers of the ro-ro vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3. In a statement, PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said, "PCG technical divers were dispatched to conduct underwater search operations in identified areas of interest, while the ROV was employed to assist in deep-water inspections and enhance search capabilities in areas that pose risks to human divers."
The ROV will also assess the vessel's status underwater to guide ongoing efforts. The Trisha Kerstin 3 sank at around 1:50 a.m. on January 26 east of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan. According to the PCG's official tally from the previous morning, there were 316 survivors, 18 fatalities, and 10 missing.
Meanwhile, during a Senate committee on public services hearing, Senator Raffy Tulfo criticized the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) over what he called systemic failures leading to the sinking. "Someone should be held accountable for this. Suspension is not enough. If possible, someone should be jailed," he said. He added, "This means Marina is useless. I’m serious, really. Eighteen people died because of your negligence."
Tulfo also questioned whether vehicles loaded onto the ferry were properly weighed and balanced. Commodore Oliver Tanseco of the PCG responded that responsibility lies with the ship's officers: "They should know the weight and the trim of the ship." Tulfo demanded copies of stowage and cargo records. – Roel Pareño, Neil Jayson Servallos
