13 fishers rescued, others missing in sea vessel collision off Palawan
THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responded to a collision involving MV Happy Hiro, a cargo vessel sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands, and FB JOT-18, a Filipino fishing vessel, in the vicinity waters off Maracanao Island, Agutaya, Palawan, Saturday, May 28, 2022.
A transitting fishing boat rescued 13 out of 20 fishermen of FB JOT-18. The seven fishermen remain missing as of press time.
The 13 rescued fishermen were transferred to MV Happy Hiro which ferried them to the waters off Lipata, Culasi, Antique to seek further assistance.
MV Happy Hiro’s medical officer Mckinley Amante, a resident of San Miguel, Iloilo, said 12 of the 13 rescued fishermen obtained scratches.
The 13th fisherman had a minor wound on his head. He was given first aid and is in stable condition.
Majority of the fishermen of FB JOT-18 are residents of Bantayan Island, Cebu. One of them is residing in Estancia, Iloilo.
PCG said rescued were Donde Petiero, 38, Estancia, Iloilo, Roderico Mata, 31, Randy Mata, 36, Renie Espinosa, 38, Mario Quezon, 24, Sammuel Ducay, 40, Rendil Dela Peña, 42, Martin E. Flores Jr., 58, Jupiter Jbañiez, 38, Andring Pasicaran, 43, Jonel Mata, 30, Joemar Pahid, 32, and Arjay Barsaga, 26.
PCG’s BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), PCG Station Cuyo, and PCG Sub-Station Agutay in Iloilo are continuing their rescue operations. By JUN I. LEGASPI
