THE search and rescue operations (Sarops) for the missing Filipino crew of a Singaporean-flagged bulk carrier in the waters of Basilan and Sulu was temporarily suspended to enable the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel to replenish its provisions.
The Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) said Friday, January 3, 2025, that the Sarops was halted on December 31, 2024 and it will immediately resume once the replenishment of provisions is completed.
Aguaviva Gel Jutba, 44, a Filipino crew of bulk carrier M/V RTM Zheng He, went missing around 11:25 a.m. of December 26, 2024 while the bulk carrier was traversing 111 nautical miles northwest off Zamboanga City pier.
Jutba, who was wearing dark blue reflectorized suit, was last seen at the port side main deck of the bulk carrier.
The bulk carrier was en route from China to Australia at the time when Juba has gone missing.
The CGDSWM said Friday, January 3, that although the search has been paused, they continue to monitor the area through ongoing communications on Channel 16 and has issued a Notice to Mariners (Notam) to all vessels in the region.
“Ships and marine stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Jutba or relevant information to the authorities,” the CGDSWM said in a statement Friday, January 3.
The CGDSWM headed by Commodore Marco Antonio Gines said the search area was expanded to waters near Jolo, Sulu, where several fishing boats were seen, but still to trace of Jutba.
“Multiple vessels and small debris were observed in the area, but no signs of survivors were found,” the CGDSWM said.
The CGDSWM added that the Sarops is being conducted both maritime and aerial. (SunStar Zamboanga)
