2 Pinoy fishermen rescued

SUBIC—A Chinese Coast Guard vessel has rescued two Filipino fishermen who went missing after their boat capsized in stormy weather near Scarborough Shoal, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) official said.

Morrey Shiera and Lloyd Acquiot from Palauig town in Zambales were adrift at sea when they were spotted by the Chinese Coast Guard ship 3301 on Nov. 30, said Commander Jonathan Marfil, commander of the PCG station here.

He said the two fishermen was reported missing along with four others at the height of Typhoon “Marce” last week.

“We contacted the families [of Shiera and Acquiot] and they were thankful the two had been rescued,” Marfil told the Inquirer by telephone.

PCG spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo said the BRP Tubbataha had been directed to meet with the Chinese ship near Bajo de Masinloc to get the two fishermen.

Balilo said the Philippine and Chinese ships attempted to link up on Thursday night but the transfer failed because of very rough waters in the area.

“The plan is for Friday, to use rubber boats. Either we go to them or they go to us,” he said.