Search, rescue ops continue for 54 fishermen missing at West PH Sea
SUAL, Pangasinan — Rescuers on Sunday continued to comb the West Philippine Sea for fishermen from Pangasinan province who have been reported missing since Oct. 2, when Typhoon “Kabayan” crossed the country’s western seaboard as it left mainland Luzon.
Lt. Senior Grade Alexander Corpuz, commander of the Philippine Coast Guard station here, said as of 12 a.m. Sunday, 15 boats carrying 54 fishermen from different towns in western Pangasinan were still missing.
“The number has been changing because as we received reports of missing fishermen, we also received reports of those who have been rescued,” said Corpuz.
On Saturday, three fishing boats — FB Flores, FB Ruvina 1 and FB Princess Jenny -– were found drifting on the West Philippine Sea in separate occasions. All their crew members, however, were rescued.
Corpuz said six fishermen were also rescued that day about 34 nautical miles (63 km) northwest of Bolinao town by a passing ship.
On Friday, Corpuz said the fishing boat Princess Jenny was reported to have sunk. The boat was carrying eight crew members, who are all from the fishing village of Cato in Infanta.
The boat left Cato on Sept. 25 and was on its way back to shore on Oct. 2 when it was battered by huge waves and capsized at about 11 a.m. while it was about 22 nautical miles (40 km) west of Hermana Mayor Island in Sta. Cruz town in Zambales province.
But on Saturday, Corpuz said, Princess Jenny and its crew returned to the shores of Infanta, assisted by PCG personnel.
Additionally, at 8 p.m. Friday, Corpuz said FB Flores, which was earlier reported missing, was found drifting on the waters off the coastal village of Aloleng in Agno town.
The boat, which has 14 crew members, was on its way back to Dasol town on Oct. 2 from a fishing trip in the West Philippine Sea when it was battered by huge waves and winds.
Meanwhile, Corpuz said six crew members of FB Ruvina were rescued at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday by a passing fishing boat, FB Bonbon, as they drifted about 5 nautical miles (9 km) from Camasao Island in Dasol town. They were taken to Barangay Arosan in Bolinao town.
