13 fishermen missing after Quinta lashes at Bicol
LEGAZPI CITY—At least 13 fishermen who apparently defied a no-sail order at the height of Typhoon Quinta were reported missing on Sunday (Oct. 25).
Quinta (international name Molave) brought heavy rains and winds of up to 100 kph to the Bicol region.
Six fishermen from Albay province were found and rescued in Virac, Catanduanes province while one remained missing after their boat capsized at the height of Quinta.
Maj. Antonio Perez, chief of Virac police, said Joshua Bora, 22; Christopher Bora, 25; Arnulfo Borral, 35 and Anthony Boral, 31, were the first four fishermen to reach the village of Talisyo around 10 p.m. on Sunday.
By 5 a.m. on Monday (Oct. 26), Elorde Bora, 21, and Julius Boque, 33, were found by villagers on the shores of Balite village.
The missing fisherman was identified as Joselito Ouapeuprecua, 50.
Article continues after this advertisementPerez said the fishermen set sail on Oct. 21 apparently “without knowledge of the storm.”
Article continues after this advertisementHe said the fishermen started drifting at sea when waves swamped their boat around 4 p.m. on Sunday.
They held on to what remained of their boat until they reached the shores of the two Catanduanes villages.
The survivors are now in the custody of the Virac local government.
Rough seas prevented the Philippine Coast Guard from conducting a search and rescue operation for the missing fisherman who was among those who drifted to Catanduanes.
In Catuanduanes, 12 fishermen were reported missing, too.
Jerry Beo, Catanduanes provincial disaster risk reduction and management chief, said the fishermen were from the coastal villages of Bato, Panganiban and Gigmoto towns.
