Search and rescue efforts under way for 10 still missing after deadly Philippine ferry disaster

The death toll from the capsizing of the ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in the southern Philippines has climbed to 36 as of January 31, 2026, significantly surpassing earlier estimates. While the number of rescued survivors remains stable at 316, the discovery of additional bodies has prompted the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to admit that the vessel may have been overloaded and carrying unmanifested passengers.

The accident occurred in the early hours of Monday, January 26, after the triple-decker vessel departed from Zamboanga City bound for Jolo, Sulu. Survivors described a scene of panic where a "loud snap" preceded the ship's rapid listing and sinking near Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan. Early reports indicated that only 10 people were missing, including the captain and a sea marshal, but the recovery of 11 bodies on a single day (January 29) alone contradicted the official manifest.

In response to the tragedy, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has grounded the entire passenger fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines, the vessel’s operator. This marks the second major disaster for the company in less than three years, following a deadly ferry fire in 2023. Preliminary investigations suggest a combination of rough sea conditions, cargo lashing failures, and potential overloading as contributing factors.

Search and retrieval operations are currently ongoing, with divers and remotely operated vehicles scouring the wreckage, which is believed to be sitting at a depth of roughly 76 meters. Families of the victims are expected to receive compensation from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), while a nationwide audit of the domestic shipping industry has been ordered to address the country's persistent maritime safety challenges.