Death toll in Philippines ferry crash rises to 42

The death toll from the Trisha Kerstin 3 ferry crash in southern Philippines has risen to 42, the country’s Coast Guard said on Facebook.

The PCG notes that two bodies were recovered amid sustained search and rescue (SAR) operations in the vicinity waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan, on February 2, Caliber.Az cites the Guard's post.

"With this development, the fatality count has increased to 42, while the number of survivors remains at 316," the post said.

Earlier reports had indicated 36 deaths. According to official sources, rescue operations at the crash site are ongoing.

The vessel, en route from Zamboanga City (Mindanao) to Jolo in Sulu province, issued a distress call at approximately 1:50 a.m. local time on January 26, 2026, about 1–5 km (roughly 1 nautical mile to 3.1 mi) from Baluk-Baluk Island in the Sulu Sea. It capsized and sank rapidly due to strong waves flooding the lower deck after the securing harnesses for onboard vehicles snapped, causing a severe list to starboard. The weather was reported as good at the time, but survivors described chaos, with allegations of insufficient life vests (despite MARINA claiming over 500 available), missing names on the passenger manifest, and the ship serving as a replacement vessel.

The ferry carried 332 passengers and 27 crew (total 359) per the manifest submitted to PCG, slightly over its authorised capacity of 352 passengers (excluding crew). Rescue efforts involved PCG vessels (e.g., BRP Tubbataha), Navy and Air Force assets (including Black Hawk helicopters and surveillance planes), and local fishing boats. Divers have been deployed to aid in deeper-water searches, though the wreck lies at around 76 meters (249 ft) depth.

By Khagan Isayev