Filipino crewman of Singaporean-flagged bulk carrier missing

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino crew member aboard a Singaporean-flagged bulk carrier en route to Australia from China went missing last December 26, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). 

In a report on Monday, PCG said it conducted a search and rescue (SAR) operation for Aguaviva Gel Jutba, who was last seen aboard RTM ZHENG HE, specifically on the ship’s port side main deck wearing a “dark blue reflectorized suit” around 11:25 a.m.

The vessel was 111 nautical miles northwest of Zamboanga City Pier. 

The PCG said a Beechcraft Baron 58 Twin Engine aircraft (RP-C3606) was deployed for the SAR operations.

The aircraft left Zamboanga International Airport for a four-hour mission to search the area northwest of Bongo Island, Basilan, on December 28.

The PCG said the aircraft was piloted by Joshua Joash Signe and Daniel Lloyd Booc and two Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao officers. 

“The designated search area was located at Latitude 07 degrees 29 hours 16 minutes North and Longitude 120 degrees 11 hours west approximately 83.93 nautical miles from the island. During the search, the aircraft said it only observed multiple vessels and small debris,” the PCG  said.

“The search area was expanded to waters near Jolo, Sulu Island, at 12:15 p.m., where several fishing boats were seen, but still no trace of the missing crew member. The aerial search concluded at 2:07 p.m, with the aircraft returning to Zamboanga International Airport without any new findings,” it added. 

The PCG said it is deploying assets and coordinating with vessels in the region, including the BRP Capones (MRRV-4404). 

It likewise “committed to locating the missing individual” as it “urges all maritime vessels in the area to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information to the authorities.”