PCG steps up Trisha Kerstin search

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday, Jan. 28, escalated its search and rescue (SAR) operations for the remaining missing passengers of roll-on/roll-off vessel M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 with the deployment of technical wreck divers and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the sea of Basilan.

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said 19 technical divers have arrived in Zamboanga City and were scheduled to begin underwater operations following a briefing at the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao. The team is led by Coast Guard Commander Cheska Jamorol.

“Earlier, our 19 technical wreck divers arrived together with the remotely operated vehicle. We are anticipating that the ROV will be deployed today to assess the seabed where the incident happened,” Cayabyab said.

She said the divers and the ROV will focus on the distress location where the passenger vessel went down.

Initial reports indicate that the wreck of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 is estimated to be about 76 meters, or roughly 249 feet, below the sea near Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan.

The divers’ mission covers underwater search operations in areas considered risky for ordinary divers, while the ROV will be used for deeper inspection of the site.