Philippine Cargo Ship Sinks Off Samar, Leaving One Dead & Another Missing

Sinking Ship — Image for representation purposes only

A Philippine-flagged cargo ship, MV Jerlyn Khatness, sank off the coast of Lavezares in Norther Samar on December 30, 2024, killing one and leaving another missing.

Thirteen others were successfully rescued during the ongoing search and rescue operations.

The vessel, built in 1993, was en route from Naga City, Cebu, to San Jose, Northern Samar, carrying 24 tonnes of cement when it encountered rough seas.

Reports from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that large waves battered the ship near Balicuatro village in Lavezares at around 2:30 p.m. causing it to sink.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) confirmed that a 30-year-old crew member’s body was found near the island of Biri. Another crew member, aged 64, remains missing.

Despite the rough weather, one of the crew managed to survive by swimming to San Juan Island after spending over 25 hours in the water.

Passing vessels and local fishermen helped in the rescue operations by saving 12 crew members, while the remaining survivor swam ashore.

Rescued crew members have received proper emergency assistance, including hygiene kits and transport arrangements.

The OCD is coordinating with the PCG, local disaster management offices, and the Philippine Air Force, which is conducting aerial surveys to locate the missing individual.

Mariners have been asked to report the sighting of the missing crew or debris to the nearest PCD station. Vessels transiting Northern Samar have also been advised to be cautious.

Per information from Vessel Tracking, a website which tracks and traces the current position of ships, the MV Jerlyn Khatness, which has been operating in the Philippines since 2016, had a gross tonnage of 199 and was about 170 feet long.

“This incident underscores the dangers faced by maritime operations in challenging weather conditions,” the OCD said, highlighting the importance of safety protocols.

References: PNA, Deccan chronicle

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