13th lost fisherman rescued, search and rescue ops continue for 19 missing

MANILA, Philippines—Another fisherman had been rescued hours after a fishing boat, carrying 32 persons, capsized in the waters off Masbate and Sibuyan Island in Romblon, a spokesman of the Philippine Coast Guard said Wednesday.

Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente said another fisherman was rescued by the crew of another boat from the sea.

Arnel Aceboque was the 13th fisherman to have been rescued from the ill-fated fishing boat FB Hope Christy.

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations continued for the 19 missing fishermen of the boat.

Ricafrente said that PCG Commandant Admiral Ramon Liwag issued a directive to send out another Coast Guard vessel BRP EDSA to assist the two other vessels TB-271 and BRP Corregidor (AE-891) earlier deployed by the PCG for seach and rescue operations.

He said that a helicopter and plane were also on standby in case the weather permitted their deployment for the operations.

Twelve fishermen were earlier rescued by members of the Coast Guard Detachment Calumpang and Local Government Unit of Masbate after the FB Hope Christy capsized at around 10 a.m.

The rescued fishermen have been brought to the Municipal Hospital of Balud in Masbate.

Authorities were still looking into what may have caused the incident.