Tragic End for Crew of Sunken Cargo Ship in Masbate

In a somber development, the body of a missing crew member from the ill-fated MV Jerlyn Khatness was discovered in Barangay Magcaraquit, Masbate, on Saturday. The vessel had met its demise in the waters off Lavezares, Northern Samar, on December 30, succumbing to harsh sea conditions. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) – Eastern Visayas confirmed the recovery of the 64-year-old crew member’s body, marking a tragic end to the search efforts that involved the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Air Force. The vessel, which was transporting cement from Naga City, Cebu, to San Jose, Northern Samar, sank around 2:30 p.m. two days before the new year, with 15 crew members on board, including the captain. Thirteen of these crew members were rescued, but the incident claimed two lives, with the first fatality, a 30-year-old, found immediately in Biri, Northern Samar. In response to the tragedy, the Maritime Industry Authority has suspended the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate of the MV Jerlyn Khatness. The Coast Guard continues to monitor the area for any signs of an oil spill.