19 fishers missing in Quezon during Tropical Storm Enteng

INQUIRER FILES

LUCENA CITY — Authorities have intensified the search for two missing fishing boats carrying 19 crew members at the height of Tropical Storm Enteng (international name: Yagi) in Quezon province.

On Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in northern Quezon said Noreen Soronel, owner of FBCA Zshan, reported to their station in Infanta town that she had lost contact with the fishing vessel on Tuesday, Sept.3.

The boat left Infanta for a fishing expedition in the Pacific Ocean on Aug. 18. The fishing venture usually lasts about a month.

During the onslaught of Enteng, Soronel advised the boat skipper to seek shelter in Barangay Calutcot in Burdeos island town to avoid the storm’s impact. Her last communication with the skipper was on Monday.

As the search continued, the PCG urged the public, particularly those in coastal communities, to report any sightings or relevant information to help locate the missing fishing boat.

The Quezon provincial government on Wednesday described on its Facebook page the missing 30.78 gross tons FBCA Zshan as painted white on its upper portion and brown on its lower side.

The PCG, Philippine Air Force helicopter, Philippine National Police, and other fishing boats in northern Quezon conducted the search and rescue operation.

On Thursday, Sept. 5, the Quezon police reported that another fishing boat, RODA 1, which was from Perez Island town, and had four fishermen on board, had also been missing.

The boat left Perez on Aug. 28 for a fishing venture in the Polillo island fishing ground in the Pacific Ocean but did not return.