By Gabriela Baron
Another dead body was recovered by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday, April 11, in the vicinity waters off Hadji Mohammad Ajul in Basilan.
In an incident report Wednesday, April 12, the PCG said the Hadji Mohammad Ajul Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) took over the cadaver for identification and proper disposition.
“The authorities are also investigating if the said cadaver is the last missing passenger of MV Lady Mary Joy 3,” PCG said.
The ship was en route from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu when it caught fire off the waters of Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan on March 29.
As of April 9, the PCG recorded 216 survivors and 32 deaths due to the incident.
Of the fatalities, 15 were recovered at sea, while 17 were recovered on board the vessel.
PCG said search and rescue operations continue for the last missing passenger. -ag
READ MORE: PCG recovers another body from Basilan ferry fire; death toll climbs to 32
