The body of an OceanJet fastcraft crew member was discovered floating in waters near Calapan Port Terminal on Thursday, prompting authorities to investigate possible foul play in the young marine engineer’s death.

The victim, identified as a recent graduate from Valderrama, Antique, had been working as an apprentice crew member aboard the vessel that operates the Calapan-Batangas route.

He graduated in July 2024 from the University of Antique Main Campus with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering degree.

Authorities have not determined the cause of death and are investigating whether the incident involved foul play, resulted from natural causes or was accidental.

Reacting to the discovery of the dead body, several netizens are calling for thorough investigations and drug testing of crew members.

“Ang anak ko nag OJT din sa barko biyaheng Calapan Batangas, ilang araw pa lang nag iiyak na gusto ng bumaba, pinag titripan daw sya ng mga kasama na gumagamit ng pinag babawal na gamot,” said netizen Ella Grace, whose son also worked on ships plying the same route.

“Kaawa naman, kaawa ang magulang, ang daming sakripisyo, sobrang sakit nyan na makita mo ang anak mo na wala ng buhay.”

Joephet Lagustan called for drug testing of crew members, saying: “Ipa-drug test mga crew ng barko biyaheng Calapan Batangas. Nakatatakot. Kung matino ang pag-iisip walang foul play.”

The circumstances surrounding the death have prompted speculation about the nature of the incident.

Abeboy Salazar questioned why the body was found in the water rather than aboard the vessel.

“Kung yan ay pangkaraniwang sakit bakit sa dagat natagpuan dapat sa loob ng barko man lang hindi sa dagat,” Salazar said.

“Sigurado ako may foul dyan.”

However, some netizens urged caution in drawing conclusions before the investigation concludes.

“Everything is only speculation, unless, there is concrete evidence and the investigation is over,” said Genaro Lastimado. “For the meantime judge nor blame no one.”

Irene Anilao noted that similar incidents appear to be occurring more frequently, saying: “Parang madalas mangyari ngayon ang ganyan. Hindi magpapakamatay ang isang tulad nila, mahabang panahon bago nila makamit ang kursong ganyan.”

Authorities are asking anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward immediately.

As of press time, the Oceanjet management has not issued a statement on the incident.

Photo: courtesy of Antique Western Visayas Page