7 fishermen rescued off Pangasinan coast
CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City – Seven fishermen were rescued after their boat suffered an engine failure Thursday northwest off Silaqui Island, Pangasinan, the Northern Luzon Command confirmed.
Following a report from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Pangasinan that seven fishermen who went fishing at 15 nautical miles northwest of Bolinao, Pangasinan were missing, Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) immediately mobilized its troops from Patrol Craft 388 (PC 388) to conduct search and rescue operations.
The crew of PC 388 found the seven fishermen onboard FB Sea Hunter at 13 nautical miles northwest of Silaqui Island. The fishermen were welcomed onboard PC 388 and underwent proper health screening in adherence to health protocols imposed due to the COVID-19.
The rescued individuals were immediately provided food and water, while their fishing boat was subsequently towed back to Bolinao.
Capt. Francisco G Tagamolila, NFNL commander, lauded his troops for their swift reaction to the incident.
“The quick response of our navy team has helped save the lives of the fishermen. Rest assured that your Navy in the North will remain committed to ensuring the maritime safety of our people on our northern coasts,” he said.
Lieutenant General Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., Northern Luzon Command Chief and concurrent Commander of Area Task Force-North (ATF-North), said: “The close coordination among concerned member agencies of ATF-North, the PCG, and the NFNL, and their prompt response to the distress call is a testament of our steadfast commitment of ensuring the safety and security of our fisherfolks while performing their livelihood in our territorial waters.”
“As vanguards of the country’s northern maritime territory, ATF-North is mandated not only to secure our sovereignty in the northern territorial waters and ensure freedom of navigation but most importantly ensure the safety and well-being of our fisherfolks while at sea, so as to sustain their livelihood,” he added.
The seven fishermen, upon arrival in Bolinao, were immediately turned over by the crew of PC 388 to PCG Pangasinan for proper disposition.
