Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan commended Captain Elimar Jucal of M/V Devon Bay as a “hero” for the latter’s selfless leadership during the maritime incident approximately 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point, Agno Bay, Pangasinan, on January 22.
“What I want to highlight is the heroism of Captain Elimar Jucal from Negros Occidental. He did not abandon his colleagues. He was not the first to abandon the ship,” Gavan said.
The PCG Commandant emphasized that Jucal’s sense of duty is worthy of emulation among his fellow Filipino seafarers.
“It is an inspiration to every seafarer to see that your captain is not the first to escape from disaster. And we should be proud as Filipinos that the quality of our seafarers is very high,” Gavan said.
“We are not running away from responsibility. We ensure the safety of our companions before we leave our ship. We salute the captain of the ship,” he added.
As of Monday, the PCG continues surface and aerial search-and-rescue operations in the reported distressed vicinity waters to locate Jucal and three other missing crew members with the ranks of third engineer, third officer, and oiler.
