A 36-YEAR-OLD man was reported missing after he reportedly jumped off his own boat off the coast of Pontevedra town.

Authorities identified the missing fisherman as Teoderico Castellano, a resident of Barangay Miranda in Pontevedra.

Commander Ludovico Librilla, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Negros Occidental chief, said based on their investigation and statements coming from fellow fisherman Reynold Catalan, they ventured out to sea last Friday, January 29, in order to fish.

Around seven kilometers from the shoreline, Catalan said their water container was knocked off by a strong wave.

Castellano then jumped off the boat in order to retrieve the water container, but he was unable to swim back to the boat as he was dragged by the strong water current.

Catalan tried to rescue his fellow fisherman, but Castellano eventually disappeared.

Catalan later reported the incident to the PCG sub-station in Pontevedra, which immediately initiated a search and rescue operation.

Librilla said they are having a hard time searching for Castellano as their search efforts were being hampered by strong waves.