January 1, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — A search and rescue operation is ongoing for five crewmembers of a cargo vessel that reportedly sank in the waters off Lavesares town in Northern Samar on Monday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Meanwhile, in Zambales, a similar operation is being conducted for two of three fishermen, whose motorized boat capsized in the waters off Subic on Sunday,
In a post on social media, PCG Station Northern Samar acting chief Ensign Bryhl Amay said the MV Jerlyn Khatness had 15 officers and crewmembers on board when it sank near Barangay Balicuatro at around 2:30 p.m.
Of the 15 people onboard, 10 have been rescued while five remained missing.
“Th PCG Station Northern Samar, assisted by nearby vessels, is conducting search and rescue operations in the vicinity of Barangay Lipata in Allen town”, Amay said.
The Jerlyn Khatness was reportedly battered by big waves and strong winds. It was loaded with cement when it departed Naga City in Cebu for San Jose in Northern Samar.
The PCG issued a notice to mariners, alerting all passing sea vessels in the area to take precautionary measures.
“Mariners transiting the area were advised to report any sightings of the missing crewmember or debris to the nearest Coast Guard Station,” the PCG said.
Meanwhile in Zambales, the PCG said that of the three fishermen, only 54-year-old Lindo Sumalilo of Barangay Calapandayan in Subic was rescued.
Sumalilo’s missing companions were identified only as Rimoot, 54, and Tabios, 40.
The PCG said that aside from the search operation, a notice to mariners to alert transiting vessels about the incident has been issued.
The agency requested vessels passing through the area to assist the fishermen once they spot them.
Sumalilo said they departed Subic for Cabra Island when their boat’s outrigger broke, causing the vessel to capsize.
At around 10:30 a.m. the PCG’s BRP Suluan received a call from motor vessel Sao Heaven, which said the crewmembers spotted a capsized fishing boat in the waters off Subic.
The Suluan proceeded to the area and rescued Sumalilo. It towed the banca toward Subic.
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