13 October 2005 – Consul General Maria Theresa P. Lazaro of the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney, Australia, reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the consulate is coordinating with the Australian maritime rescue authorities in the search for AB (Able Body) Enrico M. Cabana, the Filipino seaman reported missing from the Japanese bulk carrier MV Hokuriku Maru.

Consul General Lazaro informed the Department that the bulk carrier, managed by Hachiuma Steamship Co. Ltd., was en route to Japan from the Australian port city of Newcastle, New South Wales state, and was off the northern coast of Australia when the ship captain reported the disappearance of AB Cabana.

Consul General Lazaro spoke with Mr. Bob Bradley of Nykship Newcastle on 12 October 2005, and he confirmed that the MV Hokuriku Maru left Newcastle at 10:27 a.m. on 9 October 2005 and reported the Filipino seaman’s disappearance on 11 October 2005 at 3:00 p.m.

The Consul General said that the Consulate in Sydney is working with the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka, Japan, to coordinate with Hachiuma Steamship on matters concerning AB Cabana including communications with the next-of-kin in the Philippines.

Consul General Lazaro assured the Department that the Consulate will continue coordinating with the Australian maritime rescue authorities in the ongoing search of AB Cabana, and will inform the Department of further developments on the search.  END