Ferry sinking in Philippines leaves over 50 dead

February 11, 2026 / 11:16 AM

Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard shows crew assisting survivors of the sunken M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan province on January 26, 2026.

Sharjah24 - WAM: At least 51 people have died after the passenger-cargo ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 sank near the Philippines, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

Coast guard divers recovered five more bodies on Tuesday while continuing search and rescue operations in waters off Basilan province. The updated recovery brings the confirmed death toll to 51, as reported by the Philippine News Agency.

Hundreds rescued from the vessel

Authorities said the number of survivors has reached 316 following the incident.

Vessel went down off basilan province

The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank on the night of January 26 about one nautical mile off Basilan province. The vessel was carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members at the time of the accident. Initial reports indicate that technical problems may have led to the sinking.