MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has lauded the “heroism” of Captain Elimar Jucal, the commander of the capsized cargo ship MV Devon Bay, after survivors revealed he was the last person to leave the vessel before it sank off Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal.
The accounts of the 15 survivors, who arrived at the Port of Manila early Monday morning aboard the BRP Teresa Magbanua, highlight a final act of leadership that saved nearly the entire crew.
The Final Command Survivors recounted that as the Singapore-flagged cargo ship began to capsize on the night of January 22, Captain Jucal remained at his post to oversee the evacuation.
- Abandon Ship: Jucal issued the direct order for the crew to jump into the sea, ensuring that his men were clear of the sinking vessel before attempting to save himself.
- Last Man Out: “He was the last to get out of the ship,” said Captain Alvin Dalagea, commander of the BRP Teresa Magbanua. “The survivors said they did not see him again after he finally jumped.”
Hailed as an Inspiration PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan expressed profound respect for Jucal’s actions, noting that the captain lived up to the highest traditions of the maritime profession.
- Heroism: “I want to highlight the heroism of the captain. He did not neglect his fellow crew members,” Gavan told reporters. “He demonstrated exactly what is expected of a captain—to be the last to leave his ship.”
- Inspiration: Gavan added that Jucal’s selflessness serves as an “inspiration to every marine” in the Philippines.
Continuing the Search Captain Jucal is among the four crew members who remain missing. Despite the days that have passed, the PCG remains optimistic.
- Ongoing SAR: The BRP Cape San Agustin and a PCG Islander aircraft are maintaining a continuous search and rescue (SAR) operation in the waters off Pangasinan and the West Philippine Sea.
- Lives Saved: The 15 survivors were originally plucked from the water by the China Coast Guard (CCG) following Jucal’s instruction to abandon ship, before being transferred to the PCG in a humanitarian turnover on Sunday.
The BRP Teresa Magbanua also transported the bodies of two deceased crew members back to Manila for proper disposition and coordination with their grieving families.