Death toll in Philippine shipwreck climbs to 52

"As of this morning, the PCG recorded 52 fatalities and 316 survivors in connection with the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3," PCG said in a statement, posted on US social media platform Facebook.

PCG said technical divers continued operations at the wreck site but did not provide further details on how many passengers are still missing.

The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 was en route to Jolo Island in Sulu province when it sank in the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan. The vessel issued a distress signal at around 1.50 am (1750 GMT) on Jan. 25, four hours after departing the Port of Zamboanga City on the southwestern tip of Mindanao.

The Philippines, which comprises about 7,000 islands, has a long history of deadly ferry accidents due to poorly regulated and often overcrowded vessels.