Philippine Coast Guard rescues 3 fishermen in Benham Rise

Photo from Philippine Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines — Three fishermen who were aboard a motorbanca were rescued in Benham Rise, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Saturday.

Fishermen Romeo Bernardo, 59; Freddie Lubiano, 54; and Glen Lopez, 44 were rescued 50 nautical miles northeast of Pandan, Catanduanes, according to a PCG incident report.

Lubiano, the boat captain, told the search and rescue team that they encountered engine trouble while making their way back to their village in Barangay Napo after fishing expedition in Benham Rise.

“When they inspected the distressed motorbanca, they found out that the engine absorbed salt through seawater and was diluted to the engine fuel,” the PCG said in their report.

The motorbanca was towed to the shoreline of Barangay Del Norte, Pandan, Catanduanes for needed repairs, according to the PCG.

After investigation, the PCG brought the three fishermen to their respective families in Barangay Napo.