• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Two Negrenses who worked as crew members on the MV Devon Bay, a Singaporean cargo ship, were among the 15 individuals rescued by the China Coast Guard (PCG) after the vessel sank in the West Philippine Sea, near Scarborough Shoal on January 23.
Negros Occidental Sixth District Representative Mercedes Alvarez confirmed in an interview that the two Negrense survivors were residents of her district. However, the legislator did not disclose the names or exact addresses of the survivors for confidentiality reasons.
Of the twenty-one Filipino crew members were onboard the vessel, 15 were rescued, two were found dead and turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on January 26, and the remaining four are still missing.
Alvarez further added that she had already met with the immediate families of the two survivors. One family has already gone to Manila to pick up their loved one, while the family of the other survivor is scheduled to fly to Manila today, Jan. 28.
Alvarez has provided all transportation expenses to send the immediate families to Manila.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental released a statement expressing deep concern and solidarity with the families of the affected Negrenses.
It was also reported that Captain Elimar Jucal, the captain of the vessel, was born in San Enrique and another crew member, Jejanfer Partosa Marfa of Cadiz City, remained missing as of this time.
“Captain Jucal’s courage and selfless leadership in ensuring the safety of his crew reflect the highest ideals of Filipino seafarers and deserve utmost recognition,” the PGNO stated in a post after PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan tagged Jucal as hero for not leaving his crew amid the tragedy.
The all-Filipino crewed MV Devon Bay capsized in the West Philippine Sea, approximately 55 nautical miles northwest of Scarborough Shoal.
The province respectfully calls on all concerned authorities and maritime stakeholders to continue and intensify search and rescue operations for the missing seafarers. We remain united in prayer, hope, and solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time.
The PCG stated that the vessel was loaded with a cargo of iron ore; however, its last port of call was related to a nickel ore mining facility in the Southern Philippines.*
