Fisherman’s body recovered in Masbate; 7 still missing

NAGA CITY, Philippines—Fishermen and Philippine Coast Guard personnel have recovered the body of a man believed to be one of eight fishermen missing after the fishing boat Hope Christy sank off Masbate on July 25 during the approach of Tropical Storm Juaning.

Captain Tranquilino Paiton, commander of the Coast Guard in Bicol, said the body of the latest fatality was fished out of the sea off Balud town in Masbate around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.  He said the man was believed to be one of the 32 crew members of the fishing boat Hope Christy.

Thirteen crew members of the boat were rescued on July 27 and the bodies of 12 others, including the one found Tuesday afternoon, have been recovered.

Seven fishermen from the Hope Christy remained unaccounted for. The Coast Guard said it would continue the search for them.