29-year-old Filipino seafarer AJ Kent Meraña was reported missing on September 8, 2024 while working onboard the MV Fermita, a bulk carrier owned by the J.J. Ugland shipping company based in Norway.
On September 13, 2024, AJ’s body was found in the Columbia River near Cathlamet, Washington. The coroner of Cowlitz County reported that AJ was found floating in the river by a fisherman. He was identified through his tattoos, and his death was declared to have been caused by accidental drowning. The coroner’s office said AJ was reported to have gone swimming and did not surface. His remains arrived in the Philippines 46 days after his death.
Filipino seafarer AJ Kent Meraña.
AJ’s family and Filipino-American solidarity groups want clarity and transparency on the case. The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN or New Patriotic Alliance) in Oregon, Migrante Portland, Pacific Coast Coalition of Seafarers (PCCS), and International Migrants Alliance (IMA) appealed to the office of Neil Ferrer, the Philippine Consul General of San Francisco (PCG-SF).
Since September 2024, BAYAN Oregon and others have sought a meeting with the PCG-SF to no avail, as AJ’s family has reportedly not received any updates, or financial compensation despite submitting their insurance claim over two months ago.
BAYAN Oregon said the consulate has confirmed AJ’s remains were sent home to the Philippines and the Report of Death and Consular Mortuary Certificate had been issued. Nonetheless, BAYAN Oregon and other organizations wanted more details surrounding AJ’s death and for the government to provide more help to protect the fundamental rights, dignity, and welfare of overseas Filipino seafarers.
AJ’s family and the organizations are also calling on the Philippine government to establish “an accessible and straightforward process” for the relatives of deceased seafarers to receive their AKSYON funds, key documents, and the remains of their loved ones.
The AKSYON (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan or immediate assistance and rescue for overseas Filipino workers in need) Fund provides legal, medical, financial, and other forms of assistance to overseas Filipino workers, including repatriation, shipment of remains, evacuation, rescue, and any other analogous help or intervention to protect the rights of Filipino nationals.
Maritime Fairtrade has reached out to AJ’s immediate relatives, but has yet to receive a response to requests for interview by the time of publication.
All photos credit: Facebook page of AK Kent Meraña.
Top photo: Funeral of seafarer AK Kent Meraña.
