Fisherman dies, 4 missing as Chinese ship hits boat
-A A +ASunday, June 24, 2012
A FISHERMAN died and four others were reported missing after a Chinese vessel rammed on their fishing boat north of the disputed Panatag Shoal off West Philippine Sea.
National Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council Executive Director Benito Ramos said Christopher Balmores died while being treated in a hospital in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Balmores, who died of hypothermia, was one of the four fishermen who were rescued on Saturday off Ilocos Sur three days after their boat "Axl John" was allegedly hit by the Chinese ship on June 20.
The other three fishermen who are now being treated in Gabriela Silang General Hospital in Vigan City were identified as Edimio Balmores, 40; Herman Balmores, 51; and Celino Damian, 32.
Ramos said the boat owner received a call from the boat operator informing about the incident.
The four other missing fishermen who are now the subject of search and rescue operation were identified as Fred Celino, Arnold Garcia, Domy delos Santos, and Amante Resonable.
The fishermen left Bolinao, Pangasinan to go fishing on June 18.
Ramos said the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group have been investigating the incident. (SDR/Sunnex)
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