PCG pursues search operation for missing fishermen off Iloilo
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard on Saturday said it will continue with its search and rescue operations on nine fishermen who went missing after their fishing vessel sank off between Tanguingui Island in northern Cebu and Gigantes Island in Iloilo on Friday.
Based on the report of the PCG, FV St. Peter the Fisherman II carrying 34 fishermen sank due to strong winds and big waves in the said waters.
At least 25 persons were rescued, but nine others remained missing, initial reports said.
The PCG in Western Visayas immediately deployed BRP Nueva Vizcaya (SARV-3502) and PCG-manned Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel, MCS-3010 to conduct search and rescue operations.
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PGC said that at around 4:15 p.m., a sister vessel of the sunken vessel, FV Old Man and the Sea, successfully rescued 25 of the 34 distressed fishermen. They arrived at Cadiz City Commercial Port in Barangay Bangkerohan, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental for further assistance.
Article continues after this advertisementThe city government of Cadiz has arranged their transportation to their respective residences.
Article continues after this advertisementSearch and rescue operations are ongoing for the remaining fishermen.
In a text message to INQUIRER.net, PCG spokesperson Commodore Armando Balilo said the PCG has deployed its airbus helicopter CGH-1451 to conduct an aerial search and rescue operation for the nine missing crew members.
Balilo said the aerial asset has departed the Department of Transportation’s hangar in Pasay City at around 8:25 a.m.
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