Apprentice found dead in ship

CEBU, Philippines - A 19-year-old marine engineering apprentice was found dead inside the storage area of a ship docked at the PKS Shipyard in sitio Tawagan, barangay Tayud, Consolacion yesterday morning.

The fatality was identified as James Jadraque, single, resident of El Salvador Landing Lanao del Norte. He was having his apprenticeship at the M/V Queen Faith.

In an interview over dySS, PO3 Ramir Maglasang said Lorido Benson, 47, the ship’s second engineer, was the one who found Jadraque inside the storage area. Jadraque’s colleagues have reportedly been looking for him since the other day.

The storage area is located 40 feet down at the bottom of the ship and Jadraque’s colleagues said the latter might have fallen into it.

The Consolacion police, however, suspect that foul play might be involved in Jadraque’s death.

“Kadudahan gyud kaayo kay kun 40 ka tiil ang gilawmon sa hagbungan sa usa ka tawo, mabali-bali gyud ug dunay dugo nga makita pero kini lahi man…wala gyoy dugo gawas lang sa gagmay’ng lawom sa duha ka bukton ug liog,” Maglasang said.

Police also learned Jadraque could not have been intoxicated and accidentally fell into the storage area because his religion reportedly did not allow hard drinks.

The Scene of the Crime Operation was asked to help in the investigation. Jadraque’s remains would also be subjected to an autopsy. – Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO (THE FREEMAN)