SEVEN fishermen went missing following a collision of two vessels in the vicinity waters off Maracanao Island, Agutaya, Palawan on Saturday, May 29, 2022.
In a report on Sunday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the collision involves cargo vessel M/V Happy Hiro and fishing vessel FB JOT-18.
“A transiting fishing boat provided immediate rescue assistance to 13 out of 20 fishermen of FB JOT-18. The seven fishermen remain missing as of press time,” the PCG said.
The said cargo vessel ferried the 13 rescued fishermen to the vicinity waters off Lipata, Culasi, Antique to seek further assistance.
The 12 of the 13 rescued fishermen obtained scratches while the other one had a minor wound on his head. He was given first aid and remains in a stable health condition.
The rescued fishermen were identified as 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 who were all residents of Bantayan Island, Cebu and Donde Petiero, 38 from Estancia, Iloilo.
PCG’s BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406), PCG Station Cuyo, and PCG Sub-Station Agutay in Iloilo continue their operations to rescue the missing fishermen. (SunStar Philippines)