Search, rescue continue for sunken cargo vessel in Northern Samar

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) are searching for the missing crew of a cargo vessel that sank off Lavezares, Northern Samar on Monday afternoon.

In a post on its official Facebook page, the PCG said, “The community remains hopeful of the safe recovery of the missing crew members and extends heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.”

The tragedy struck on 30 December when the MV Jerlyn Khatness, a vessel transporting cement from Naga City, Cebu, to San Jose, Northern Samar, sank after being battered by huge waves at around 2:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, the PCG said its Northern Samar station reported that of the 15 crew members onboard, 13 were successfully rescued, while one crew member, a 64-year-old male, was missing.

A 30-year-old male was confirmed dead after his body was discovered in Biri.

“The Coast Guard is conducting ongoing search efforts in the affected area. To enhance the operations, a request has been made to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for air assets to assist in the ongoing search and retrieval operations,” the PCG further stated.

Joint efforts with the local Coast Guard, the Municipality of Allen, and nearby towns have been underway since Tuesday morning to expedite search operations.

The OCD has also reached out to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Lavezares for additional resources.