The death toll from the sinking of passenger ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 has risen to 62, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The vessel sank on January 26 while traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo near Basilan in the southern Philippines, Xinhua reported.

Axar.az reports that divers have recovered additional bodies from the wreck in difficult deep-water conditions marked by strong currents and poor visibility. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with 17 passengers still missing.

At least 293 people survived after being rescued by nearby vessels and local fishermen. The cause of the sinking remains under investigation.

The incident is one of the deadliest maritime disasters in the region in recent years, highlighting persistent safety concerns in a country heavily dependent on ferry transportation.