By Sarwell Meniano
TACLOBAN CITY – At least one crew member of MV Jerlyn Khatness died, and another is still missing after it sank off the waters of Lavezares, Northern Samar on Dec. 30.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) confirmed late Tuesday that a 30-year-old crew member’s body was recovered floating near Biri, Northern Samar.
Meanwhile, the search continues for a 64-year-old crew member who has been missing for nearly two days.
Thirteen other crew members were successfully rescued during the operation.
The 31-year-old vessel, carrying a shipment of cement, departed Naga City, Cebu, and was en route to San Jose, Northern Samar, when it encountered rough sea conditions.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Northern Samar station, the ship was struck by large waves and sank near Balicuatro village in Lavezares town at approximately 2:30 p.m.
The OCD in Eastern Visayas said it is actively coordinating with the PCG-led search and rescue operations assisted by the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office and the Philippine Air Force for aerial survey.
The rescued crew members received assistance, including hygiene kits, while transportation arrangements were finalized.
“This incident underscores the dangers faced by maritime operations in challenging weather conditions, prompting renewed calls for improved safety measures in the region,” the OCD said.
The PCG asked mariners to report any sightings of the missing crew or debris to the nearest Coast Guard station. It also advised all ships and watercraft transiting Northern Samar to take precautionary measures.
The ship, built in 1993, has a gross tonnage of 199, according to information from vesseltracking.net. (PNA)
