Seaman dies after waves slam ship; wife wants probe

A Filipino seaman died after strong waves slammed against the deck of the bulk carrier where he was working.

According to Chino Gaston’s report on “24 Oras,” Jake Marinduque was aboard the bulk carrier that was on its way to Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada from Norfolk, Virginia in the United States when they experienced by inclement weather.

Marinduque’s wife, Kathleen, found out about her husband’s death on January 31, a day after the incident.

“Dumating po ako doon sa opisina. Tsaka lang nila sinabi na wala na siya, na siya lang ang nawala, na humampas siya, may malakas na alon, humampas siya. ‘Yun lang po, tumama siya sa bakal,” Kathleen said.

Though Marinduque was still alive when he was brought to the ship’s infirmary, he died three hours later.

Three colleagues of Marinduque were also injured in the incident. However, a helicopter was unable to pick them up due to the weather.

Based on the information the family received from authorities in Canada, Marinduque died due to head, chest, and spine injuries.

Kathleen, however, questioned why her husband was out working on the deck even during bad weather conditions.

“May mga messages ‘yung mga seaman sa akin na sila daw kapag may makakasalubong na bagyo, pag alam na nila na andito, mag rere-route daw ‘yung kapitan, sila aalamin na nila kung saan puwedeng dumaan. Bakit hindi nila ginawa iyon, diba? Tapos nagtra-trabaho pa po sila,” she said.

The family also wants the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to investigate Marinduque’s complaints on alleged overtime schedule and lack of rest days.

GMA News has reached out to Marinduque’s manpower agency, the Elburg Shipmanagement, as well as OWWA for comment.

The family said that OWWA has reached out and extended aid.  It is uncertain when the victim’s body will be repatriated to the country.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News