Filipino Crew Member Found Dead After Falling Overboard

A Filipino crew member who disappeared from a cruise ship en route to Brazil has been found dead five days after going missing, the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Thursday, March 6.

The crew member, identified as 32-year-old Jeric Bueno, worked as a waiter aboard the MSC Poesia. He was first reported missing on February 22 after failing to show up for duty shortly after the ship left Montevideo, Uruguay.

A review of surveillance footage later confirmed that he had fallen overboard from Deck 7, near the life raft station, moments before movement was detected in the ocean.

Upon discovering his disappearance, the ship immediately notified the Uruguayan Navy, which launched a search mission involving both a boat and aircraft. As the vessel continued on its scheduled route, the search effort was transferred to Brazilian maritime authorities. Bueno’s body was eventually recovered on February 27, bringing a tragic end to the search.

During a Senate Committee on Migrant Workers hearing, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac stated that the agency is working to provide financial and psychological support to Bueno’s family. The manning agency responsible for his deployment has also been instructed to cover the costs of repatriating his remains to the Philippines.

Authorities have confirmed that all surveillance footage and evidence will be turned over to investigators for further analysis. Officials are still determining whether Bueno’s fall was accidental or the result of foul play.

The incident has reignited discussions about the safety and well-being of seafarers aboard international cruise ships. Filipino workers make up a large portion of the global maritime workforce, and advocacy groups continue to push for stronger measures to protect their security at sea.

As investigations proceed, Bueno’s grieving family is left seeking justice and answers for their loved one.