By David Vera
One crew member of the MV Jerlyn Khatness was confirmed dead, and another remains missing after the cargo vessel sank off the waters of Lavezares, Northern Samar, on December 30, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported.
The body of a 30-year-old crew member was recovered near Biri, Northern Samar, while search operations are ongoing for a 64-year-old crew member who has been missing for nearly two days. Thirteen other crew members were successfully rescued.
The 31-year-old vessel, carrying a shipment of cement, departed from Naga City, Cebu, and was en route to San Jose, Northern Samar, when it encountered rough sea conditions. According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Northern Samar station, the ship was struck by large waves and sank near Balicuatro village in Lavezares at around 2:30 p.m.
The OCD in Eastern Visayas is coordinating search and rescue efforts, led by the PCG and supported by the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office and the Philippine Air Force, which is conducting aerial surveys.
Rescued crew members received assistance, including hygiene kits, and transportation arrangements are being finalized for their safe return.
The PCG has called on mariners to report any sightings of the missing crew member or debris to the nearest Coast Guard station. Ships and watercraft transiting Northern Samar were advised to take extra precautions.
The MV Jerlyn Khatness, built in 1993, has a gross tonnage of 199, according to vessel tracking data. The incident has prompted renewed calls for stricter maritime safety measures in challenging weather conditions.