“Gulf Navigation Holding PJSC (“GNH” or “Company”), the Dubai Financial Market listed maritime and shipping company, deeply regret to report the incident relating to the vessel, MV “Gulf Livestock 1” which is reported missing while the vessel was enroute from New Zealand to China, with livestock on board. The Japanese Coast Guard received a distress call early on Wednesday morning (Sept 2nd) to which they responded and one of the 43 crew members, the vessel’s Chief Officer, was rescued. The search for survivors is still continuing by the Japanese Coast Guard,” the statement read.
“Our hearts go out to those onboard and their families at this time. We also express deep regret for the sad loss of the livestock on board. We are monitoring the situation closely and working closely with those involved in rescue efforts. We pray that there are other survivors,” it added.
A video of the harrowing ocean rescue of a Filipino seafarer, the lone survivor so far of in the missing cargo ship is making the rounds online.
The Gulf Livestock 1 was carrying 43 crew and over 5,000 cows and went missing on its way to China from New Zealand. Of the crew members, 39 from the Philippines, two from New Zealand, and two from Australia.
In a video released by the Japanese coast guard carried by Reuters, members of the rescue team saw the Filipino survivor, Sareno Edvarodo, battling the ferocity of the waves Thursday night.
Floating in the darkness and amidst the sea of tempest, the 45-year-old Filipino held onto a rope thrown by the rescuers. When he was pulled out of the raging waves, he was immediately brought to a vessel and wrapped him with a blanket by the team.
“Water,” he said. “Thank you, thank you very much.”
“I am the only one? No other one?” Sareno asked the rescuers.
Another seafarer who was found by the Japanese coastguard in the East China Sea on Friday. However, the man was later declared dead, Kyodo news reported.
Sareno said one of the boat’s engines had shut down and a wave then overturned the ship, which later sank. According to his statement, the ship lost an engine before it was hit by a wave and capsized.
They were told to put on life jackets, adding that he had jumped into the water. He feared, however, that not all of them were able to hear the instructions, according to the Department of Labor and Employment in Manila.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said its consulate in Osaka is continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating with authorities in Japan.
Watch Reuters video from Japanese Coast Guard below:
