File Photo by DELFIN T. MALLARI JR.
LUCENA CITY — A fisherman from the island municipality of Patnanungan in Quezon province was found alive in Mauban town on Thursday, Nov. 16, after he went missing for two days, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
The PCG-District Southern Tagalog said in a report that the fishing boat of Willie Miranda had engine trouble due to strong waves after it left Patnanungan off the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday morning.
The fisherman failed to fix the boat and just let it drift before paddling his way to reach Cagbalete island in Mauban town around 3 a.m. on Thursday.
The search party found Miranda in good health and staying with his sister, who is living on the island.
READ: Missing Quezon fisherman found safe
Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, PCG-DST commander, advised fishermen to avoid sailing during adverse weather and rough sea conditions.
READ: 5 passengers rescued from capsized boat in Quezon
He said sea vessels should also be equipped with basic repair tools and spare parts to address unforeseen troubles while sailing.
Sea travel for small vessels in northern Quezon remained suspended on Friday due to the rough sea, the PCG-DST said in an advisory issued on Thursday afternoon.
The advisory cited a forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration that a strong gale-force wind associated with the northeast monsoon was expected to affect northern Quezon off the Pacific Ocean.
This meant that all trips by vessels with 250 gross tons or less, like motorized passenger or fishing boats, in the area were suspended.
On Wednesday, authorities began suspending sea travel for small motorized passenger or fishing boats in these areas.
The suspension order would be lifted once the weather and sea conditions improved, the PCG said. INQ