The search-and-rescue operations for the 16 missing Filipino crew members of the MV Bulk Jupiter, which sank off the coast of Vietnam on January 2, have officially concluded, with the crew now deemed lost. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced this development recently, stating that the families of the missing seafarers have received the benefits owed to them. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz referenced a letter from Alexander Querol, CEO of Magsaysay Maritime Corp., confirming that the search efforts had ended and that Gearbulk Norway, the ship’s owner, had settled the contractual benefits for the victims’ families.
Querol’s communication indicated that Gearbulk has also committed to extending further benefits, including scholarships for the children of the missing crew members. This has brought some semblance of closure regarding the tragic event, as the company formally acknowledged the crew’s loss.
The MV Bulk Jupiter, carrying a load of iron ore, sank after a maritime incident. Among the 19 Filipino crew members, only chief cook Angelito Rojas was rescued and is currently undergoing physical therapy, for which Gearbulk is covering the expenses. Baldoz reassured that the families had received all benefits in line with their employment contracts and collective bargaining agreements through the Associated Marine Officers and Seafarers Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP).
The DOLE further reported that the remains of Capt. Ronel Andrin, the ship’s master, were cremated in Manila, while C/O Karl Resos Abogadie was buried in his hometown in Leyte. In remembrance, Gearbulk and Magsaysay Maritime Corp. held a memorial service for families of the missing crew.
Baldoz emphasized the DOLE’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of Filipino seafarers and their families, especially following maritime accidents. With around 300,000 Filipino seafarers deployed each year, the possibility of them being involved in accidents overseas remains a critical concern for the department and the maritime community.
This tragic incident highlights not only the risks faced by seafarers but also the support systems in place for their families during such calamitous events. The conclusion of the search efforts marks a bittersweet end to a dire situation, reminding many of the sacrifices that seafarers and their loved ones make in their pursuit of maritime work.
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