42 bodies recovered from Basilan ferry tragedy, 49 still missing
MANILA, Philippines — Two more bodies were recovered from the ongoing search and rescue in Basilan waters, raising the death toll in the ferry sinking to 42.
The fatalities were passengers of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 that sank off Baluk-Baluk Island, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said on Tuesday.
In an interview, Cayabyab said the captain is still missing and this person’s identity remains unknown.
“Based on the statement of our rescuers, particularly our technical divers, since they do diving operations everyday, they say current is too strong under water,” the spokesperson noted.
Cayabyab recounted how the divers were dragged one kilometer away from the initial position during the search and rescue because of heavy currents.
To date, in addition to the 42 deaths recorded, 319 survivors were rescued.
The PCG is inspecting all possible causes of the ferry’s sinking, including overloading of both passengers and cargo, mechanical failure, and possible negligence of the owner or of the authorities.
List of missing passengers
On Jan. 28, Sulu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) issued a list of 49 missing individuals who were reported by their families to its office.
Below is the list of 31 missing persons from Sulu PDRRMO who are in the manifest.
- Abdul, Hj. Abdurajik, Jikiri
- Abtong, Rekmar
- Abubakar, Roberto
- Adjali, Arajani
- Amilsan, Parida (Amilsali)
- Asamuddin, Alnesran
- Asgali, Harlene T.
- Hadjirul, Hja. Balma
- Hadjirul, Rhondon Nihar
- Hadjirul, Harija
- Hadjirul, Sidjirun (Haadjirul)
- Iribani, Limlian Lao (Kimlian)
- Jainatul, Arnasher
- Jalaide, Nurshaina Kahal (Nurshauina)
- Juldam, Ferwida Ahajadi
- Kamman, Junhar
- Kuder, Hadzmil M.
- Mahsum, Annisa (Aniza Mahson)
- Muammil, Nursalyn S. (muammlil)
- Muksan, Hja. Nalda J.
- Nasser, Sabri
- Nuluddin, Albelin Alibasa
- Pahisul, Sulma Dayam Awaluddin (Dayam Awaluddin)
- Romoros, Alberto
- Sahial, Dianeeza J.
- Sahial, Perusa J.
- Salapuddin, Ali
- Sali, Alih
- Tawasil, Nurdaya Dastala
- Uyob, Manur
- Yusah, Hakim
Here is the list of 18 missing persons who are not in the manifest:
- Ambutong, Dina (child)
- Arajani, Sahaya A.
- Dastala, Daddah
- Hadjail, Alkhaizar Q.
- Hadjirul, Alma
- Julmadi, Reezalee Mocaram
- Kamman, Baby Boy
- Lapinig, Jean
- Padah, Al-fradzri
- Pioquinto, JD Kent
- Punsalang, Kyle
- Sala, Hajim Musa
- Sawabi, Nurdis Undali
- Sawadjaan, Liana
- Tahi, Fat. Aliya Nuluddin
- Uyob, Fherwina Rikab
- Uyob, Santanina Rikab
- Wahid, Jeprey
The death toll was at 19 before the search and rescue operations began.
When the Coast Guard deployed divers, they were able to pull up 23 more cadavers, increasing the number of fatalities to 42.
Vessel still unseen
Since sinking on Jan. 26, the vessel is yet to be seen.
“It is very important that we find the vessel. That’s the reason we are deploying ROVs and even our technical divers–to check the vessel itself, what is the reason why it sank, as well as if there are trapped individuals inside the vessel,” Cayabyab said.
The DOTr initially gave PCG fifteen days to conduct a full-blown investigation.
Cayabyab said they will give a statement on the cause of the incident after they have completed the probe. /apl
