One died and one remained missing while 13 individuals were marked safe after a vessel submerged in San Jose, Northern Samar on Rizal Day, December 30.
The maritime tragedy struck when MV Jerlyn Khatness, a vessel transporting cement from Naga City, Cebu to San Jose, Northern Samar sank amid rough seas.
“The incident occurred around 2:30 PM, as the vessel was battered by large waves that ultimately capsized it,” the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said in a statement.
By Tuesday morning, the Coast Guard Station in Northern Samar confirmed the sunken vessel’s location in the waters near Lavezares.
Of the 15 crew members onboard, 13 were rescued, while one crew member—a 64-year-old male—remains missing. A 30-year-old male was confirmed dead after his body was discovered in Biri.
OCD Eastern Visayas is actively coordinating search and rescue operations led by the Philippine Coast Guard.
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.
Joint efforts with the local Coast Guard, the Municipality of Allen, and nearby towns have been underway since this morning to expedite search operations.
The OCD also reached out to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) in Lavezares for additional resources. An aerial survey was likewise conducted to help expedite search efforts.
OCD Eastern Visayas provided hygiene kits to the rescued crew members, addressing their immediate needs while transportation arrangements are being finalized with local authorities and OCD Central Visayas.
