Death Toll in Philippines Ferry Sinking Climbs to 52, with 27 Still Missing

In the southern Philippine province of Basilan, the death toll from a ferry disaster has risen to 52, with 27 people still unaccounted for, authorities said Wednesday. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) released updated figures following nearly two weeks of investigation and verification after the roll-on/roll-off ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 went down in waters near Baluk-Baluk Island.

The vessel was carrying a total of 372 individuals when it encountered trouble off the coast, the PCG said. At least 293 people have been confirmed rescued, while search teams continue efforts to locate the missing.

Officials adjusted the passenger count after reconciling manifest records with lists of survivors and previously undeclared crew members, according to the PCG. Rescue operations have included technical divers working at the wreck site.

The cause of the sinking is still under investigation.