Himala sa karagatan: Pinoy seaman iniulat missing Abril 25, buhay; nakitang palutang-lutang sa dagat

- A Filipino seafarer who has been reported missing since April 25 was discovered floating off the coast of Iran and very much alive

- Marjoy Quinto Yparraguirre, reported missing since late April, was rescued after being spotted swimming towards a passing ship

- Yparraguirre, a bosun on the cargo vessel, was last seen on April 25 and was scheduled to return to the Philippines on April 27; the circumstances of his disappearance are still being probed

- His unexpected reappearance has brought immense relief to his anxious family and the wider maritime community after weeks of concern and search operations

A Filipino seafarer, who was reported missing in late April, has been found alive floating off the coast near the maritime boundary between Iran and Fujairah.

Marjoy Quinto Yparraguirre, serving as a bosun on the cargo vessel M/V Star Helena, was rescued after being spotted swimming towards a passing ship.

Yparraguirre’s disappearance had raised concerns among his family and the maritime community.

He was last seen on April 25, 2025, and was scheduled to return to the Philippines for a much-awaited homecoming on April 27.

The circumstances surrounding his sudden disappearance from the M/V Star Helena, which was en route from Iran to Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, are still under investigation.

According to initial reports, Yparraguirre was miraculously rescued after being sighted by the crew of another vessel while he was adrift in the waters.

The details of how he ended up in the sea and survived for an extended period remain unclear, but his discovery has brought immense relief to his family and colleagues.

Before his rescue, search and rescue operations had been underway, initiated after he was officially reported missing.

The M/V Star Helena, where Yparraguirre served as a bosun (boatswain), is a position of significant responsibility on a ship, overseeing the deck crew and maintaining the vessel's hull, superstructure, and cargo gear.

This role requires considerable experience and familiarity with ship operations.

The incident has prompted questions regarding maritime safety protocols and the unforeseen challenges seafarers face while navigating international waters.

While the immediate priority is Yparraguirre’s health and eventual repatriation, investigations are expected to delve into the full reasons behind his disappearance.

His family, who had been anxiously awaiting his return, expressed overwhelming joy and gratitude upon receiving news of his rescue.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other relevant Philippine authorities are expected to coordinate with their counterparts in Iran and the United Arab Emirates to facilitate Yparraguirre’s safe return to the Philippines.

This includes ensuring he receives any necessary medical attention and undergoes debriefing to shed light on his ordeal.

His story stands as a testament to resilience and the extraordinary efforts of the maritime community in rescue operations.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In news back home, a cybercrime hub in Cebu was shut down by authorities following a viral exposé. A joint task force closed the alleged scam operation office in Barangay Kasambagan after a social media video exposed its illicit activities. Authorities found the office abandoned, suggesting a hasty evacuation by employees after the exposé gained traction online. The BPO company, identified as BMJ Data Processing Services, is accused of defrauding foreigners through “love scams” and fake investment schemes.

Still in other news, a 70-year-old tricycle driver died after his vehicle was hit by a bus in Barangay Bonawon, Siaton, Negros Oriental. CCTV footage showed the tricycle exiting onto the national highway moments before the collision occurred. The tricycle overturned upon impact, and all passengers were rushed to the hospital; the driver later died from a head injury. The bus driver is now in police custody as authorities continue to investigate the incident.

Source: KAMI.com.gh