Uruguayan, Brazilian Navies Search for Overboard Crew Member

The navies of Uruguay and Brazil have initiated a search for a crew member who went overboard from the MSC Cruises vessel MSC Poesia. Authorities reported that the incident occurred on Friday shortly after the ship left the port of Montevideo.

The absence was discovered when the crew member failed to report for his shift. After reviewing video footage, ship officers pinpointed the exact time and location on deck where the individual fell overboard.

According to Uruguayan officials, the MSC Poesia departed Montevideo at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, bound for the Brazilian resort city of Camboriú, with an expected arrival on February 23. The missing crew member, 32-year-old Filipino national Bueno Jeric, was last seen on deck 7. The vessel first noticed his absence when it was roughly 13 miles from Brazilian waters.

In response, the ship requested help from the Uruguayan Navy, which promptly launched a search and rescue mission. The operation involved a patrol boat and a small aircraft, with a helicopter on standby for any urgent rescue needs. Additionally, nearby vessels were alerted to monitor the area.

On Sunday, the Uruguayan Navy announced that MSC Poesia had determined the precise moment when the crew member went overboard. Surveillance camera footage showed him standing on deck 7, port side forward, near the life raft station, and a camera on the bridge wing recorded movement in the water.

With the search area now moving into Brazilian jurisdiction, the Brazilian maritime authority will lead the ongoing operation, though Uruguayan officials have been asked to maintain efforts within their territorial waters.

An investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding Jeric's disappearance, including whether the event was accidental or intentional. All statements, video recordings, and evidence have been secured on board and will be handed over to local authorities as part of the probe.