Photo credit: PCG

SULU, Philippines — Search and rescue operations remain underway following the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3, as authorities work to account for all passengers amid continuing questions over the vessel’s passenger list.

Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur M. Tan is leading the ongoing efforts in coordination with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and other response units. The provincial government has deployed two speed boats to assist in locating those still unaccounted for.

A list posted Thursday morning contained the names of 49 individuals believed to be missing. Of the total, 31 were listed on the official passenger manifest submitted by Aleson Shipping Lines, while 18 names did not appear on the manifest, raising concerns over the possibility of unlisted or walk-in passengers.

Local officials said the list was compiled based on reports from families and community members searching for relatives following the maritime tragedy. Authorities stressed that the list remains subject to verification as validation of identities and passenger records continues.

Search and rescue operations intensified on January 29, 2026, after 11 bodies were recovered in the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan. The recovery efforts involve personnel from government agencies, private organizations, local fishermen, volunteers, and relatives of the missing passengers.

The Philippine Coast Guard said the recovered remains are undergoing retrieval and identification procedures in coordination with PDRRMO Basilan, to establish the identities of the victims and formally notify their families.

Meanwhile, authorities said the investigation is ongoing to determine the exact number of individuals on board the vessel at the time of the incident, citing discrepancies between official records and reports from families.

Officials said further updates on the number of survivors, fatalities, and missing passengers will be released as search, recovery, and verification efforts continue.