Rescue mission for missing crew halted as ‘Haishen’ nears Japan

“The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo and the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka, reports that in light of the expected arrival of Typhoon 10 in Japan, the Japanese Coast Guard has temporarily suspended its search and rescue operations,” the department said in a statement. (File Photo By Patrick Roque, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)

MANILA – The Japanese Coast Guard halted its search and rescue operation for the missing crewmembers of the Gulf Livestock 1 as Typhoon Haishen (local name Kristine) heads towards the southwestern island of Kyushu.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo and the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka, reports that in light of the expected arrival of Typhoon 10 in Japan, the Japanese Coast Guard has temporarily suspended its search and rescue operations,” the department said in a statement.

Citing updates from the Japan Meteorological Agency, public broadcaster NHK reported that “Haishen” is forecast to pummel Kyushu starting Sunday.

Meanwhile, it reported that the two Filipino survivors have been in contact with their respective families.

The first to be rescued was the ship’s chief officer Eduardo Sareno.

Another survivor, identified as Jay-Nel Rosales, was rescued alone in a life raft and was the third person to be found at sea since their freighter sent a distress call.

A body was found face down on the ocean on Friday morning. However, the person’s identity could not be confirmed due to the condition of the remains.

“The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka, and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office continue to monitor and coordinate the situation with the Japanese Coast Guard, shipowner, and the manning agency to extend all appropriate support for the Filipino seafarers and their families,” the DFA said.