By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday continued its search for 26 missing passengers of the sunken MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in the waters of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan.
In a situation update, the PCG said a technical diving group (TDG) attempted to search the first-deck port-side cabin of the ferry but encountered strong underwater currents.
“Due to safety considerations, the divers were unable to access the section,” it said.
However, the TDG shifted to a secondary target, the vessel’s VIP accommodation section, in line with established dive safety protocols.
The underwater conditions in the secondary target were safer and more manageable, but the divers found no bodies there.
To date, the total survivors of the incident remain at 293, while 53 persons have been confirmed dead based on consolidated data from the Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operatives, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and PCG District Southwestern Mindanao, as well as coordination with affected families.
On Wednesday, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced the filing of criminal and administrative charges against the operator of the sunken vessel, Aleson Shipping Line, as well as culpable executives of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
During a press conference, Lopez also announced the sacking of eight MARINA personnel and five PCG workers for allowing the vessel to sail despite “glaring safety deficiencies.” (PNA)
