BACOLOD City – The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, together with the Negrense community, has expressed deep concern and solidarity with the families of Negrense seafarers affected by the maritime tragedy involving the M/V Devon Bay, which capsized in the West Philippine Sea on January 23.
In a statement, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the provincial government stands in unity with the families of Captain Elimar Jucal of San Enrique and Jejanfer Partosa Marfa of Cadiz City, who remain missing following the incident.
The Singapore-flagged bulk carrier, crewed entirely by Filipinos, was transporting a 55,000-metric-ton load of nickel ore when it capsized approximately 55 nautical miles northwest of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. Of the vessel’s 21 crew members, 15 were rescued, two were confirmed dead, and four remain missing, including Captain Jucal and Marfa.
Gov. Lacson paid tribute to Captain Jucal, citing his courage and selfless leadership during the emergency.
“Captain Jucal’s bravery and dedication in ensuring the safety of his crew reflect the highest ideals of Filipino seafarers and deserve the utmost recognition,” Lacson said.
The provincial government has urged concerned authorities and maritime stakeholders to continue and intensify search and rescue operations to locate the missing seafarers.
“We remain united in prayer, hope, and solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time,” the governor added.
Meanwhile, national media reports cited the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as saying that initial findings suggest the liquefaction of the nickel ore cargo may have caused the ship’s load to shift, destabilizing the vessel and causing it to tilt before capsizing.
The PCG noted that statements from surviving crew members pointed to cargo movement as a possible factor in the incident.
Search and rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the sinking of the M/V Devon Bay./PN
