THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has launched a large-scale search and rescue operation to locate a Filipino seafarer who reportedly fell from a Singaporean bulk carrier near the waters of Zamboanga City on December 26, a day after Christmas.
In a statement on Monday, December 30, the PCG identified the missing crew member as Aguaviva Gel Jutba, 44, a seafarer aboard the Singapore-flagged vessel RTM Zheng He.
According to the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), Jutba was last seen at the port side main deck of the ship at around 11:25 a.m. on December 26. At the time, the vessel was 111 nautical miles northwest of Zamboanga City Pier.
The ship’s master, Ashok Chandru Krishna Kumar, reported that Jutba was wearing a dark blue reflectorized suit. The vessel was en route from China to Australia when the incident occurred.
Upon receiving the report, the PCG deployed patrol vessel BRP Capones (MRRV-4404) to conduct search operations in the area.
The RTM Zheng He was joined by two other vessels, MV HL Hope and MV Federal Sutton, in the search efforts.
On December 28, the PCG expanded the operation by dispatching a Beechcraft Baron 58 twin-engine aircraft for a four-hour aerial search northwest of Bongo Island, Basilan.
However, despite covering a wider area, including waters near Jolo, Sulu Island, no trace of Jutba was found.
The PCG has called on all vessels transiting the region to stay alert for any signs of the missing seafarer, offer assistance if possible, and report any developments to authorities.
“Despite the challenging conditions, the PCG remains committed to finding the missing individual and urges maritime vessels in the vicinity to remain vigilant and cooperative,” the PCG said in its statement.