A Filipino crew member who went missing from a cruise ship bound for Brazil has been found dead five days after his disappearance, the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Thursday, March 6.

The victim, identified as 32-year-old Jeric Bueno, was working as a waiter aboard the cruise ship MSC Poesia. Bueno was first reported missing on February 22 after failing to report for duty shortly after the ship departed Montevideo, Uruguay. A subsequent review of surveillance footage confirmed that he had fallen overboard from Deck 7 near the life raft station just before movement was detected in the ocean.

The ship immediately alerted the Uruguayan Navy, which launched a search operation involving a boat and aircraft. The search effort was later taken over by Brazilian maritime authorities as the ship continued on its route. Bueno’s remains were discovered on February 27, bringing a tragic end to the search.

During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac reported that the agency is coordinating financial and psychological assistance for Bueno’s family. Additionally, the manning agency responsible for deploying Bueno has been directed to assist with transportation expenses for repatriating his remains.

Authorities have confirmed that all surveillance footage and other evidence will be handed over to local investigators for further examination. The circumstances surrounding Bueno’s fall remain under investigation, as officials seek to determine whether foul play was involved or if it was an accident.

The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety and well-being of seafarers working aboard international cruise ships. Filipino workers make up a significant portion of the global maritime workforce, and advocacy groups continue to call for measures to ensure their security at sea.

As the investigation continues, Bueno’s family is left seeking answers and justice for their loved one.