PCG ramps up search for 15 missing fishers near Philippine Rise

MANILA, Philippines — The Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog (CGDSTL) unit has joined the ongoing search and rescue operation for the 15 fishermen reported missing in the vicinity of Philippine Rise, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday said.

It added that the Coast Guard Aviation Command deployed a helicopter on Friday, September 6, to conduct an aerial search in the waters of Palanan, Isabela, as well as in the northern part of Quezon and northeastern Luzon.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) Tactical Operations Group 4 meantime dispatched a multipurpose helicopter to assist in the operation.

READ: At least 800 still stranded at Luzon, Visayas ports due to Enteng

However, the joint operation of the PCG, PAF, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and several local government unit was suspended due to unfavorable weather conditions.

The PCG related that after receiving an update regarding then approaching Tropical Storm Enteng on September 1, the captain of FBCA (fishing banca) Irish J ordered crew members to stop fishing operations.

“The boat captain immediately advised FBCA Irish J and FBCA Zshan to terminate their fishing activities. However, they faced challenging sea conditions, causing them to be separated approximately 20 nautical miles. They also lost communication while navigating north of Jomalig Island,” the PCG said in a statement.

CGDSTL Commander Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, said that all available resources are being utilized to locate and rescue the fishermen.

He also urged the public to stay vigilant and report any sightings of the missing fishermen and their vessels.