Filipino 3rd officer missing from crude oil tanker

Filipino 3rd officer goes missing from crude oil tanker

Filipino 3rd officer Cristito M. Acosta (23 yrs), is missing at sea since April 23, 2020. He was onboard the crude oil tanker Jiaolong Spirit, Flag: Bahamas (Teekay Shipping).

According to a post by his family, the 3rd Officer did not report to the bridge for duty at 8 pm. The chief officer made several calls and as there was no response he alerted everyone on board and decided to check Cristito's cabin. They found the 3rd officer missing.

The US Navy and Helicopter conducted SAR operation and unfortunately, they could not find Cristito. The ships in the vicinity were informed to keep a sharp lookout. Since the SAR team could not locate the missing officer the SAR operation was called off.

Further investigation will be conducted on May 16 when the ship arrives in South Africa. The ship is sailing from Texas to S. Africa.

The family and relatives of 3rd Officer Cristito are hoping that he is still alive.