Ill-fated cargo vessel’s crew found lifeless in Masbate waters

Philippine News Agency

FILE: JOINT SEARCH. The Coast Guard Station Northern Samar, Philippine Air Force and Office of Civil Defense conduct joint aerial and sea surface to locate a crew member of MV Jerlyn Khatness, on Friday (Jan. 3, 2025). The body was found Saturday (Jan. 4) in Barangay Magcaraquit, Masbate, five days after the vessel sank in the vicinity waters of Northern Samar on Dec. 30, 2024. (Photo: Philippine Coast Guard/Facebook)

MANILA – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) – Eastern Visayas confirmed Saturday the recovery of the deceased missing crew member of MV Jerlyn Khatness, which sank off the waters of Lavezares, Northern Samar on Dec. 30.

The body of the 64-year-old crew was recovered in Barangay Magcaraquit, Masbate, according to an OCD news release.

His crewmates, as per the Philippine Coast Guard, confirmed the recovery.

The Coast Guard Northern Samar Station is likewise conducting continuous monitoring in the vicinity of the incident site for possible signs of an oil spill.

The vessel, en route to San Jose, Northern Samar from Naga City, Cebu, sank due to rough sea conditions two days before the new year at around 2:30 p.m.

At the time, the vessel was carrying cement and had 15 crew members on board, including the captain.

Thirteen crew members were rescued alive.

One of two fatalities, aged 30, was immediately found in Biri, Northern Samar.

The Maritime Industry Authority had suspended the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate of the vessel.