MANILA, Philippines — Four fishermen died of asphyxia while cleaning the fish storage compartment of their vessel near the waters off Barangay Talisayan, Zamboanga City, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Monday.
The victims were identified as Joseph Oro, 45, boat captain; Marjon Oro, 37; Charlie Caspe, 29; and Billy Lamag, 27, all crew members of FV Julius 558. The incident happened around 6 a.m. on Aug. 5.
The captain ordered Marjon and Billy to clean the storage compartment using submersible pump.
After a few minutes, the two shouted for help as they experienced shortness of breath and dizziness. Joseph and Charlie responded, but they too experienced the same.
Sonny Morales, the vessel’s chief engineer, found them unconscious inside the storage compartment. He took the victims to the hospital but were declared dead by the attending physicians.