4 seamen, rescued from 3-ship collision, now back home

Four of five Filipino seamen rescued from a three-ship collision in Akashi Strait, Japan were repatriated to the Philippines yesterday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The Philippine Consulate General in Osaka reported to the DFA that the Filipino seafarers of m/v Gold Leader who were repatriated were messman Wilson Cura, chief officer Cristavio Villamor Jr., second engineer Wolfrando Israel Jr. and bosun Yolando Generales.

Second deck officer Jorico Mariano remains in Japan as he has yet to complete providing information to authorities investigating the collision.

The Japan Coast Guard continues its search for two missing Filipino crewmen of the Gold Leader, which sank after the collision.

The DFA said the 5th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in Kobe confirmed to the Philippine Consulate General that four vessels and one airplane with a combined crew of 35 personnel are tasked to continue the search for Ricardo Salvador Jr. and Rodryan Bracamonte.

The 1,466-ton Belize-registered freighter, manned by nine Filipino crew members, was struck by the 2,498-ton tanker Ocean Phoenix after the latter collided with Daigo Eisei Maru, a gravel carrier.

After the Gold Leader sank, passing fishing boats and other vessels rescued six of its crew members, one of whom died at a local hospital.

The body of Gold Leader skipper Tomasniri Demandaco Jr. was recovered by a fishing trawler on March 6.

The DFA said the Philippine Consulate General continues to monitor the investigation by the Japanese Coast Guard.