One person died while another was missing when a cargo ship transporting cement sank off Lavezares, Northern Samar on Monday, Dec. 30, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said.
MV Jerlyn Khatness was manned by a 15-member crew when it submerged due to rough seas around 2:30 p.m., according to a report from the OCD.
The OCD said the body of a 30-year-old male crew was discovered in the municipal waters of Biri town in Northern Samar.
Thirteen crew members were rescued while a 64-year-old male crew was the subject of extensive search and rescue (SAR) operations.
“The Office of Civil Defense Eastern Visayas is actively coordinating search and rescue operations, led by the Philippine Coast Guard. The Coast Guard is conducting ongoing search efforts in the affected area,” the OCD said.
“To enhance the operations, a request has been made to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for air assets to assist in the ongoing search and retrieval operations,” it added.
According to authorities, the vessel was bringing cement from Naga City, Cebu to San Jose, Northern Samar when it was battered by big waves, causing it to sink.
The OCD said that joint efforts by the Coast Guard Station Northern Samar, local government of Allen town and other nearby areas were carried out to expedite search operations.
The OCD also reached out to the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (MDRRMO) in Lavezares town for additional SAR resources.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) 505th Search and Rescue Group conducted an aerial survey of the submerged vessel and the surrounding waters to aid search efforts.