Body of missing MV Jerlyn Khatness chief engineer recovered

The search for Andres Bulanon, the missing chief engineer of the cargo vessel MV Jerlyn Khatness that sank off the coast of Lavezares, Northern Samar four days ago, concluded with the recovery of his body.

Bulanon was last seen swimming after the ship carrying cement from Cebu sank due to large waves around 2:30 p.m. on December 30.

Thirteen crew members were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other responders while two crew members died as a result of the incident.

The PCG has deployed BRP Cape San Agustin and about 30 personnel to lead search efforts, with assistance from local disaster risk management offices.

Continuous monitoring for possible oil spills is ongoing in the vicinity of the incident site.