Japan halts search and rescue operation for missing seamen: DOLE

September 10, 2020

One week after the sinking of the Panama-registered cargo ship, the Japanese Coast Guard has stopped  search and rescue operations for crew members, most of whom are Filipinos, of the Panamanian-registered Gulf Livestock 1.

In a radio interview, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said he received information from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Osaka that the search operations has  been stopped.

"Just this afternoon, I received a report from our Labor Attaché in Osaka that Japan has  stopped the rescue operations," said Bello. Bello clarified that Japan halted the special search and rescue operations but normal operations will continue

He said he is unaware of the reason for the halt, but added that the Philippines is thankful for the efforts of Japanese authorities to look for the casualties for several days.

"Of course, it is the Japanese government so we cannot interfere with them. In fact, we are already thankful because they conducted rescue operations for several days. They just couldn't find anyone," said Bello.

Two Filipinos have been rescued. A third person was recovered from he was dead. He remains unidentified.

Last week, the Gulf Livestock 1 sank in Japanese waters after getting caught in a typhoon.

The ship was then carrying about 5,800 heads of cattle and 43 crew members, including 39 Filipino nationals.

Bello admitted that he is having a hard time to find words of comfort for  families of the 36 missing Filipino seafarers.

"I'm having problems how to inform the wives, children, and siblings, who are asking me for updates. I am embarrassed over this bad news," said Bello. DMS