The captain of the sunken bulk carrier M/V Devon Bay exhibited remarkable bravery by instructing his crew to abandon ship as it faced severe weather and cargo liquefaction. Captain Elimar Jucal was the last to leave the vessel, and he is among four crew members still unaccounted for. The 15 survivors, rescued by the Chinese Coast Guard, shared their harrowing experiences upon returning to Manila aboard the PCG vessel Teresa Magbanua on January 26, 2026.
The Singapore-flagged cargo ship sank near Scarborough Shoal while carrying 55,000 tonnes of nickel ore, initially misreported as iron ore. High waves and the moisture content in the cargo caused it to shift, leading to the vessel listing. Tragically, two crew members lost their lives, and their bodies have been recovered. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is continuing the search for the captain, commending his quick decision-making that saved the lives of others.
The Chinese Coast Guard played a crucial role in the rescue operation, deploying five boats, while the PCG launched two rigid-hull inflatable boats to transport the survivors and the deceased. Despite past tensions, the PCG expressed gratitude for the CCG’s timely assistance in this emergency.
