OVER 317 passengers and crew from the submerged M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 have been rescued in waters 2.75 miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan on Monday.
In an incident report, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said 24 persons are still missing, and there are 18 casualties from the incident as of 11:21 a.m.
The ship was carrying a total of 332 passengers and 277 crew members when it departed from the Port of Zamboanga City at 9:20 p.m. on Sunday and was headed to Jolo, Sulu, when the ship began to take in water and sink.
“Upon receipt of the distress call from the PCG sea marshal onboard, the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) immediately deployed BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401) from Zamboanga City,” it said.
To date, search and rescue operations are ongoing by the PCG with assistance from commercial vessels, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other concerned government agencies, and local government units.
The CGDSWM reported that no oil spill has yet been observed in the incident area.
M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 is a passenger ship operated by Aleson Shipping Lines and was reported to be operating within its authorized maximum passenger capacity of 352 when the incident occurred.
Cops among passengers
The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, said a police officer from the Regional Mobile Division Unit 9 was among the fatalities.
It said 13 PNP personnel were successfully rescued – nine from the 905th and 903rd Maneuver Companies of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, and four from the Regional Emergency and Rescue Unit 9.
“Rescued personnel were safely brought to Zamboanga City Port and Isabela City, Basilan Port, where they are now receiving proper care and assistance,” the PNP said in a statement.
It said further coordination with concerned agencies is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure appropriate assistance for all affected personnel and their families. (With a report from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
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