Philippine - Australia - Saipan Province

A cargo ship capsized, the Crew survived the waters.

MV Nam Yang 8 is registered at the port of Nampho under the national flag of D.P.R Korea, gross tonnages 3461. It was loaded with 2,600 metric tons of magnetite iron sand ore. Captain Jon Ki Ung revealed that the vessel departed from the port area of Aparri, Cagayan, for China, on December 31, 2009 at 17:00. At around 21:35, at the vicinity waters of Claveria, Cagayan, MV Nam Yang 8 encountered big waves which caused the cargo sand to shift. The vessel then listed 16 degrees to port side and encountered trouble with its main engine. According to Captain Jon the instability of the vessel and the incapacitated main engine prompted him to call for ‘abandon ship’ at 03:25 on January 1, 2010.

On February 12, 2010 at 09:30 the 22 members of the crew arrived at the Stella Maris Center a home supervised by the Apostleship of the Sea (AOS). After a short welcome and orientation the crew went to their assigned rooms. Our journey with them began.

It took long to repatriate them because their situation was unique, for there is no North Korean Embassy in the Philippines. The crew did not have passport at hand and contacts were made with the agent, the principal, the immigration personnel and the China embassy.

As days went by, meeting them almost every day, we found them to be very simple and lovely people. They would gladly accept whatever was offered to them with profound gratitude.

We all went through the process of feeling at home with each other’s presence. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn and realize how vast the ministry to seafarers is! Language was never a barrier...we could laugh at each other’s attempts to communicate through body language (Captain Jon and Decker Pak both can ‘speak English’). Our role to the North Korean Seafarers went beyond the documents and legal matters. We closely journeyed with them in constant listening and responding to the inner voice in order to “navigate” and to “sail back” where these people belong. Quite a challenge! But we believe in solidarity and mutual support.

Finally, on March 19 (Friday) 2010, they were brought to the Manila International Airport by the AOS staff and Mr. Aguinaldo (ITF). They took a flight to China first and then to North Korea. We are happy that they are now back reunited with their families and loved ones. We are glad that we, together with ITF and some other people in Manila, have been able to assist them and help them to go on with their lives.

Truly, “There are no strangers here! Only people we have not yet met.”

Sr. Marivic P. Ching sjbp

Sr. Marivic and Chief Mate Jon Ho Chol

Sr. Marivic with Chief Cook Choe Jong Song and Engineer Jang Jong Gil

while savoring Kimchi

The Crew of MV Nam Yang 8 with the Staff Isa, Delia, Doris, Nards,

Sr. Marivic and Fr Paulo AOS Chaplain

Stella Maris Staff Delia & Doris with Captain Jon Ki Ung,

chief Cook Choe Jong Song & Sr. Marivic

During the Despidad Dinner