Basilan ferry disaster death toll reaches 40

The death toll in the Basilan ferry disaster has risen to 40.

In a statement shared on Facebook on Monday, Feb. 2, the Philippine Coast Guard said that they were able to recover three more bodies in connection with the sunken vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3.

PCG confirmed the death of one of their personnel, Seaman First Class Alkhaizar Hadjail, who was onboard the ship. 

“Accounts from survivors indicate that, while the vessel was in distress, SN1 Hadjail assisted and directed passengers on the appropriate actions to take for their safety amid the maritime emergency," PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said.

“Our fallen Coast Guard personnel will always be remembered for his selfless dedication and commitment to public service, exemplifying courage and professionalism in the line of duty,” he added. 

Cayabyab also denied a family member's claim that there was a lack of updates on Hadjail and a lack of action by the PCG. He said Hadjail's family, especially his spouses and brother, are consistently informed of developments.

He added that the Coast Guard Intelligence Force, Hadjail's unit, had a separate search and rescue operation solely dedicated to finding him.

As reported by The Philippine STAR, survivors last saw Hadjail wearing a life vest, although his dead body was found without it. Authorities presume he gave it to another passenger. 

The number of ship survivors remains at 316.

The tragedy happened on Jan. 26 after the ferry carrying nearly 350 passengers and crew members sank off the coast of Basilan.

MV Trisha Kerstin 3, owned by Aleson Shipping Lines, issued a distress signal around 1:50 a.m. that day, a bit over four hours since it departed the Port of Zamboanga City, according to the PCG.

Survivors told AFP that the ferry began listing heavily in the middle of the night, with one sharing that he heard a sudden loud snap. The ship then immediately capsized off Baluk-Baluk Island.

Authorities are still investigating the incident.