Captain’s Heroic Actions Amid Cargo Ship Capsizing

MANILA – A Singapore-flagged cargo ship, the Devon Bay, capsized off Scarborough Shoal, prompting its captain to order the crew to abandon ship due to dangerous cargo “liquefaction” and severe weather conditions. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has praised Captain Elimar Jucal’s actions as heroic, as he was the last to leave the vessel before it sank. While 15 crew members were rescued, Captain Jucal remains missing, along with three others.

Details of the Incident

The harrowing events unfolded on January 23, when the Devon Bay began to capsize approximately 60 nautical miles northeast of Scarborough Shoal. According to survivors, Captain Jucal instructed his crew to jump overboard as the ship faced critical instability due to the liquefaction of its cargo, which was later identified as 55,000 tonnes of nickel ore. The PCG initially misreported the cargo as iron ore. Captain Alvin Dagalea, who oversaw the rescue operation, recounted that the captain was the last to abandon the ship, emphasizing his commitment to his crew’s safety.

Following the capsizing, the survivors were rescued by a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel and later transferred to the PCG ship Teresa Magbanua. During the turnover operation, which took place about 161 nautical miles west of Tambobong, Pangasinan, the PCG successfully retrieved the 15 survivors and the bodies of two deceased crew members. Captain Dagalea noted that the cooperation between the CCG and PCG during the rescue was commendable, contrasting with previous tense encounters in the region.

Search and Rescue Operations Continue

As the search for Captain Jucal and three other missing crew members continues, PCG chief Ronnie Gil Gavan expressed hope for their safe recovery. The PCG has deployed the BRP Cape San Agustin vessel and an aircraft to aid in the ongoing search efforts. Admiral Gavan highlighted Captain Jucal’s actions as a testament to maritime leadership, stating, “He did not neglect his fellow crew members.” He also noted that the combination of cargo liquefaction and adverse weather conditions contributed to the ship’s tragic fate.

Despite the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Admiral Gavan emphasized that the priority remains on saving lives. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced at sea and the importance of decisive leadership in emergencies. The PCG continues to monitor the situation closely, hoping for a positive outcome in the search for the missing crew members.